Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Made with layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is both filling and flavorful. It brings together simple pantry staples in a way that’s satisfying and kid-friendly.
Whether baked fresh or prepped ahead, it’s a fuss-free meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste. You can customize it with veggies, different cheeses, or even a crispy topping. It’s an easy one-dish wonder that everyone at the table will love.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Description
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
It’s a budget-friendly, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. The savory flavors of beef and potatoes combine beautifully with a cheesy topping, creating a satisfying bite every time.
You can customize it with veggies like onions or peas, or swap in cream of mushroom or cheddar soup for extra richness.
This classic American comfort food is easy to prep, kid-approved, and a great way to feed a crowd without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Drain excess fat.
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In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.
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Layer the casserole: Start with half the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Spread half the beef mixture over them. Pour a bit of the soup mix on top. Repeat layers, finishing with the rest of the soup mixture.
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Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
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Uncover, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 25g50%
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Tips, Tricks & Servings Guide
Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food—simple, hearty, and satisfying. It layers ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and often a creamy sauce or soup for richness. Here's how to make it easier, tastier, and even more crowd-pleasing.
Tips for a Perfect Casserole
- Use Thin-Sliced Potatoes
Slice your potatoes as thinly and evenly as possible—about 1/8 inch. A mandoline works great for this. Thin slices cook faster and layer more nicely, preventing hard, undercooked bites. - Precook the Ground Beef
Always brown your ground beef first with a bit of onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked before baking. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. - Add a Creamy Element
Most recipes use canned cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup. For a homemade version, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with milk and shredded cheese. This helps bind the dish and adds flavor. - Cheese Choices Matter
Use sharp cheddar for a classic taste, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Mix some cheese into the filling and save some for a bubbly golden top. - Season Generously
Potatoes soak up flavor, so season each layer lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also add Italian seasoning or thyme for a savory twist.
Tricks to Save Time or Elevate the Dish
- Parboil Potatoes: If you're short on time, parboil your potato slices for 5–7 minutes before layering. This reduces baking time.
- Add Veggies: To boost nutrition and texture, mix in chopped bell peppers, peas, corn, or mushrooms with the beef layer.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors meld, and all you have to do is bake it.
- Top with Crunch: Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions over the top before the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh green salad (think vinaigrette to cut the richness)
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (like green beans or broccoli)
- Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast
- A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for added zing
Servings
This dish typically makes 6 generous servings when baked in a standard 9x13-inch dish. You can stretch it to 8 servings by pairing it with side dishes or bulking it up with veggies.
Final Tip:
Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm, and enjoy all that melty, savory goodness!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are typically used in Hamburger Potato Casserole?
This comfort food favorite usually includes ground beef (hamburger), sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom or cheddar soup, shredded cheese, onions, milk or broth, and basic seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder). Some recipes add veggies like corn or green beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Can I make it ahead of time or freeze it?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
How long does it take to cook, and at what temperature?
Most versions bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60–75 minutes, depending on how thinly the potatoes are sliced. Cover it for the first 45–50 minutes to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the top.
Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-sodium or homemade cream soup. You can also sneak in veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Swapping white potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower slices is another great option.
