Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy cheese or soup-based sauce, all baked to golden perfection.
Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the satisfying flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth of a home-cooked casserole.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, this one-dish wonder delivers on both taste and convenience. It’s a classic, no-fuss meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Description
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
It's baked until bubbly and golden, creating a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, yet the flavor is rich and indulgent.
You can customize it with extras like onions, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of herbs for added flavor.
This one-dish wonder is kid-friendly and easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a go-to for anyone craving a classic meat-and-potatoes meal.
If you're craving a cozy, hearty, and family-friendly dinner that’s budget-friendly and easy to make, this Hamburger Potato Casserole is a winning choice. It combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying, one-pan meal.
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or as a make-ahead freezer meal, this dish has all the classic comfort of meat-and-potatoes with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Optional garnishes:
Instructions
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking pan.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened (about 7–9 minutes). Drain off any excess grease. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This creates a creamy base that ties the meat and potatoes together and keeps the casserole moist.
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Start assembling the layers in the prepared baking dish: Spread a small amount of the creamy sauce mixture on the bottom (this prevents sticking). Add a layer of sliced potatoes. Spoon some of the cooked ground beef and onions over the potatoes. Pour some of the sauce over the meat layer. Sprinkle with a small handful of cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up. End with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top. Dot with small pieces of butter for added richness, if desired.
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Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
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Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color.
Note
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Tips, Tricks & Serving Ideas
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy binder like soup or sauce.
It's budget-friendly, filling, and great for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re making it for the first time or want to elevate your version, these tips and tricks will help you get it just right.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole
1. Use Thinly Sliced Potatoes
Slice your potatoes very thin—about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook through completely and evenly. A mandoline slicer works best if you have one, but a sharp knife will do the job if you're careful.
2. Precook the Ground Beef
Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the casserole. This not only removes excess fat but also enhances the flavor. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder for extra depth. For more flavor, sauté some diced onions with the beef.
3. Choose the Right Potato
Russet potatoes are the classic choice because they’re starchy and bake to a tender consistency. Yukon Golds are also great—they’re buttery and hold their shape well.
4. Layer Strategically
Start with a layer of potatoes at the bottom of your greased baking dish, followed by a layer of seasoned beef, then cheese and sauce. Repeat the layers and end with cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.
5. Use a Creamy Binder
Cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup is commonly used as a binder. If you prefer homemade, you can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) with butter, flour, milk, and cheese. For a little tang, try mixing in sour cream or a splash of milk with the soup.
Tricks for Success
1. Cover Then Uncover
Cover the casserole with foil during the first 45–50 minutes of baking to help the potatoes steam and cook through. Uncover for the last 15–20 minutes to let the cheese brown and bubble.
2. Add Veggies
To make it a complete one-dish meal, add a layer of vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or green beans between the meat and potato layers. It adds color, nutrients, and makes it more satisfying.
3. Make It Ahead
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. It also freezes well—bake, cool completely, then freeze in individual portions.
4. Cheese Options
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of sharp and mild cheeses. Always shred your own cheese for better melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
5. Season Every Layer
Potatoes can soak up a lot of flavor. Don’t forget to season every layer lightly with salt and pepper to ensure your casserole doesn’t taste bland.
Serving Suggestions
1. Portion Size
This dish typically makes 6–8 servings, depending on the size of your baking dish and portion size. It’s very filling, so you may find it stretches even further when served with sides.
2. Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness of the casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top also adds freshness.
3. Leftovers? No Problem
Hamburger Potato Casserole reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
- Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, or bake from frozen (adding extra time).
What to Serve With Hamburger Potato Casserole
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs well with light, crisp sides:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A fresh garden salad
- Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
- Pickles or a crunchy slaw for contrast
Final Thought
With just a few pantry staples and simple steps, Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comfort food classic that’s easy to customize and hard to mess up.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or prepping for the week ahead, these tips will help you make it perfectly every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hamburger Potato Casserole made of?
This classic comfort food typically includes layers of sliced potatoes, ground beef (hamburger), cream of mushroom or cheddar soup, onions, and shredded cheese. Some recipes add milk, sour cream, or vegetables like corn or green beans. It’s a one-dish meal that’s both hearty and budget-friendly.
Can I use raw or cooked potatoes?
You can use either, but thinly sliced raw potatoes work best and cook through as the casserole bakes. Using a mandoline or food processor ensures even slices and quicker cooking. If you’re short on time, parboiling the potatoes for a few minutes beforehand can help speed things up.
Can I make it ahead or freeze it?
Yes! Hamburger potato casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. For freezing, assemble it uncooked, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best cheese and beef to use?
Use lean ground beef (85–90% lean) to avoid excess grease, or drain the fat after browning. For cheese, sharp cheddar offers great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variety. A cheese blend on top adds a gooey, golden crust that’s perfect for finishing.
