Are you searching for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings? Look no further than this Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe. Combining flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and even easier to love. Stay with us as we take you through every step of the process, and by the end of this article, you’ll have all the know-how to whip up a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
What is a “Hamburger and Potato Casserole”?
A Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a layered, baked dish that marries savory ground beef (commonly referred to as hamburger) with sliced or diced potatoes, all brought together in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a classic comfort food that’s simple to make and easy to customize based on personal preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is all about delivering satisfying flavors in one dish.
Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole
To create this mouthwatering casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)
- 5 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced or cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for variation)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 2 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for added flavor depth)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
These basic ingredients form the foundation of a traditional Hamburger and Potato Casserole. However, the beauty of casseroles is their flexibility, so feel free to experiment!
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to tailor the casserole to your dietary needs or personal preferences, here are some great substitutions and variations to try:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
- Add frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to boost the nutritional content and add color.
- Swap the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade sauce or use a different canned soup (cream of celery or chicken are good alternatives).
- For a creamier texture, replace milk with heavy cream or sour cream.
- Add a crispy topping by sprinkling breadcrumbs or French fried onions over the casserole before baking.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor, such as Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Gruyere.
The key is to make this recipe your own by incorporating ingredients that suit your taste or what's readily available in your pantry.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Here’s a detailed guide to making a Hamburger and Potato Casserole that’s sure to please:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, about ⅛ inch thick. You can also cube them if you prefer a chunkier texture. Set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of milk until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to ensure your Hamburger and Potato Casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: Thin slices ensure even cooking. Thicker slices may result in undercooked, crunchy potatoes. Use a mandoline slicer if possible for uniform slices.
- Overcooking the beef: Since the ground beef will continue to cook in the oven, avoid over-browning it in the pan. Just cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Forgetting to season the layers: Properly seasoning each layer with salt and pepper ensures the casserole is flavorful throughout.
- Adding too much liquid: Don’t go overboard with the milk or soup mixture. Too much liquid can make the casserole soupy instead of creamy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is everything when serving a casserole, especially for guests. Here are some ideas for serving and garnishing your dish:
- Portion neatly: Use a large serving spoon or spatula to neatly scoop out individual portions, ensuring each serving gets a mix of potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with sides: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread for a balanced meal.
How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole
Hamburger and Potato Casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. If you’re hosting a dinner party or family gathering, consider offering a variety of toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or green onions for guests to customize their plates. This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance the richness—think a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole
While casseroles are typically rustic in appearance, you can elevate the presentation with a few simple touches:
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant, personal touch.
- Use a cast iron skillet for baking the casserole to give it a more homey, country-style look.
- Garnish the top with a few extra sprigs of parsley or a dusting of paprika before bringing it to the table.
Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze for later: You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Make it gluten-free: If you're gluten-sensitive, opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
A: Yes, if you want to speed up the cooking process, you can use pre-cooked or parboiled potatoes. This will reduce the baking time by about 20 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils and use a vegetable-based cream soup.
Conclusion
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that will make its way into your regular meal rotation. With a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can create a comforting, filling meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it with different variations, this casserole is sure to deliver delicious results every time. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share this recipe with others who love a good, hearty meal!
PrintHamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe
This easy-to-make Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly dinner featuring ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce. Ideal for a busy weeknight, this casserole combines classic comfort food flavors. It's layered with seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese for a dish that's both satisfying and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onions until beef is browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish.
- Spread half the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Layer the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk, then pour over the casserole.
- Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner version.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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