Hearty and Delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of a homemade casserole bubbling away in the oven. Hamburger Potato Casserole is one of those timeless recipes that brings back memories of family dinners, chilly evenings, and second helpings around the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back Sunday supper, this dish is a satisfying blend of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce — all baked to golden, cheesy perfection.

This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s love of simple, rustic meals that could feed a crowd with minimal effort. She’d always have something like this warming in the oven during the fall and winter months, and the aroma alone was enough to bring everyone to the kitchen. Whether you’re making this for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, hamburger potato casserole delivers on both flavor and nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Easy to Make: With just a few pantry staples and everyday ingredients, you can whip up this meal in no time.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love the savory blend of potatoes, cheese, and ground beef.

• Great for Leftovers: This casserole stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are both affordable and filling ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a hearty hamburger potato casserole:

For the Main Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 5–6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the dish and extra richness)

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Veggie Boost: Add a layer of thinly sliced carrots, frozen peas, or green beans.

• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

• Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits between the layers or on top before baking.

• Cream Swap: Use cream of cheddar or cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect casserole every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Add diced onion and garlic, and continue to cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and fully blended.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, begin layering the ingredients:

• First, a layer of sliced potatoes

• Then a layer of the cooked beef and onion mixture

• Followed by a generous spoonful of the sauce mixture

• Sprinkle a small handful of cheddar cheese

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of sauce and the remaining cheese sprinkled on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Success

• Even Slices: Use a mandoline for evenly thin potato slices, which helps them cook uniformly.

• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking gives it a better texture and easier serving.

• Cheese Choices: A sharp cheddar works best, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a gourmet twist.

• Grease the Dish Well: This helps prevent sticking and adds a little extra flavor from the butter.

What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole

While this dish can certainly stand on its own, pairing it with a side dish or two can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some ideas:

• Green Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients to the plate.

• Bread or Rolls: A warm dinner roll or slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

• Applesauce or Coleslaw: For a sweet and tangy counterpoint, serve a side of homemade applesauce or classic coleslaw.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes. For larger portions, cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Simply assemble all the layers as instructed but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. You can also use ground chicken or a meatless substitute for a vegetarian version.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. If you prefer a more rustic texture, feel free to leave the skins on—just wash the potatoes thoroughly.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The cheese should be added during the last 30 minutes.

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