Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is the kind of cozy comfort food that brings everyone to the table without fuss. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor — think of it as your mom’s best casserole with a modern twist. The star of the show, the hamburger potato casserole, combines juicy ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and tender potato slices layered together and baked until bubbling with golden cheese. It’s the ultimate one-pan dinner for nights when you want something that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or looking for a nostalgic dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing, this hamburger potato casserole recipe checks every box. Pair it with a side salad, or honestly, just grab a fork and dig in straight from the pan — no judgment here.
Table of Contents
What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that layers seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the definition of comfort in a casserole dish — warm, creamy, and filling without being fancy or complicated. This recipe has roots in old-fashioned Midwest cooking, where practicality meets heartiness. You’ll find versions passed down through generations, each family adding their own touch — maybe a different soup base or extra veggies.
What makes this version special is its straightforward, foolproof process and big payoff: rich flavor, perfect texture, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s flexible — swap in ground turkey or add extra cheese for a richer bite. It’s one of those recipes that taste even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner option.
Reasons to Try Hamburger Potato Casserole
If your weeknights often feel like a juggling act between work, kids, and dinner, this hamburger potato casserole recipe will feel like a small victory. First, it’s budget-friendly — a pound of ground beef and a few pantry staples stretch beautifully into a full meal. Second, it’s comfort food done right: creamy, cheesy, and filling, yet simple enough to throw together in minutes. It’s also a family favorite that even picky eaters will happily eat (especially if you let them sprinkle the cheese).
Lastly, it’s endlessly adaptable — toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen veggies to make it your own. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially when you need something that tastes like home after a long day. For more cozy casserole inspiration, check out our Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole or Sweet Potato and Turkey Casserole next.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Let’s walk through this comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe step by step so you can bring that golden, bubbling perfection to your table with zero stress. This dish may look impressive, but it’s wonderfully simple once you get started.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and let it cook until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. You’ll want it cooked through but not dry — think juicy and savory. Then toss in the chopped onions and stir until they become soft and slightly golden.
This step adds that classic, cozy flavor base every great casserole needs. Drain any excess fat so your dish stays rich but not greasy. If you’d like to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, check out my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet for cooking tips that translate perfectly here.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Potatoes
While your beef is sizzling, slice the potatoes thinly — about 1/8 inch thick. Even slices are key to helping them cook evenly and soak up all that creamy goodness later. No mandoline? No problem — a sharp knife and a steady hand do the trick. Arrange half of the slices in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle them lightly with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. These layers are the foundation of your hamburger potato casserole, so season with love! For a fun flavor twist, try swapping garlic powder for smoked paprika or onion powder — small changes, big impact.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This simple combo turns into a luscious sauce that holds everything together. If you prefer a homemade alternative, you can make your own mushroom sauce following a method similar to the creamy base used in my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Pour half of this creamy mixture evenly over the seasoned potatoes, letting it drizzle down into the gaps. It’ll seem thin now, but as it bakes, the potatoes absorb the flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4: Layer the Beef and Add More Potatoes
Now it’s time to build that signature casserole structure. Spread the cooked beef and onions evenly over the first layer of potatoes. Pour the rest of the soup mixture across the top to keep things moist and flavorful. Then, arrange the remaining potato slices on top like shingles on a roof — a little overlapping is perfect. This double-layer method gives you those perfect bites of meat, sauce, and tender potatoes all in one forkful.
Step 5: Add the Cheese — Because Everything’s Better with Cheese
Sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top layer. Sharp cheddar works best because it melts beautifully and adds a bold, tangy punch. If you want to mix it up, try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooier texture. Cheese isn’t just a topping here; it’s the crown jewel that ties everything together. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crispier crust, similar to what we use in the Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Cover the casserole tightly with foil to trap the steam and help the potatoes soften evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. When the timer’s up, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top turns golden and the cheese starts bubbling — the smell alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen. Want that irresistible crispy top layer? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye — cheese can go from golden brown to burnt in a flash!
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This quick pause allows everything to settle so you get clean, beautiful slices instead of a cheesy avalanche (not that we’d complain). The sauce thickens just a bit as it cools, giving you that creamy, spoon-perfect texture. Serve it warm straight from the dish for a comforting family-style meal. Pair it with a crisp salad or my Creamy Corn Casserole for the ultimate comfort dinner.
Bonus Step: Make It Yours
This hamburger potato casserole recipe step by step is all about flexibility. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen mixed veggies for color and texture. Swap the mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a milder flavor. Or, if you’re craving a holiday twist, pair this casserole with Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan for a complete comfort food spread. The best part? You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven when ready — dinner made easy, with flavor that tastes like you spent hours.
By following this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe step by step, you’ll end up with a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced in every bite. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd but simple enough for any night of the week — the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table before you even call them.
What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with something fresh helps balance all that creamy goodness. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, while garlic bread or dinner rolls turn it into a full meal. If you’re serving it for guests, a simple roasted veggie mix or a side of Creamy Corn Casserole makes a perfect companion.
And if you’re planning a comfort-food dinner lineup, try adding our Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake to the mix.
Key Tips for Making Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Slice the potatoes evenly — thinner slices cook faster and layer more smoothly.
- Don’t skip draining the beef; it keeps the casserole from getting greasy.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor — it melts beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- Want a little kick? Add paprika or cayenne to the beef mixture.
- If you’re short on time, par-cook the potato slices for 5 minutes in boiling water before layering; it speeds up baking.
- Make it your own: add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach. This casserole is forgiving — and that’s part of its charm.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Leftovers store beautifully — if there are any! Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist. If you froze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Pro tip: leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors mingle — perfect for easy weekday lunches.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely. Ground turkey makes this casserole lighter without losing flavor.
Can I prep this ahead? Yes! Assemble the layers, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What kind of potatoes work best? Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold their texture and bake beautifully.
Can I add vegetables? Definitely — mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers blend perfectly with the creamy base.
How do I make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day — hearty, easy, and just nostalgic enough to remind you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s. It’s flexible enough for busy weeknights yet comforting enough for a cozy weekend dinner. Serve it once, and it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your family’s rotation. For more delicious casseroles that bring joy to the dinner table, browse our collection of comforting dishes at Nourish Well Recipes.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Easy Family Dinner Tonight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and comforting casserole combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights, full of rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Layer the potatoes in the casserole dish. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Mix the soup and milk in a bowl, then pour over the potatoes. Top with cooked beef and onions.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, then cover with foil.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
For a crispier top, broil for a few minutes after baking.
