There’s something timeless about a good casserole — the way it fills your kitchen with warmth, comfort, and the promise of a hearty meal. Among the many variations out there, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole stands tall as a true American favorite. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and loaded with the kind of flavor that reminds you of home.
A Bit of Casserole History
The humble casserole has been a household staple for generations. Originally created as a one-pot way to cook multiple ingredients together, the concept has evolved over the centuries into the oven-baked comfort meals we know and love today. In mid-20th-century America, casseroles became especially popular — an easy, affordable way to feed a hungry family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love Hamburger Potato Casserole
This dish brings together a few pantry staples — ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and creamy mushroom sauce — to create a meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Each bite delivers layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s comfort food at its best.
Here’s what makes it special:
- 🥔 Hearty and filling – Perfect for feeding a family or crowd.
- 🧀 Creamy and cheesy – That melted cheddar topping ties it all together.
- 🍽️ Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- 🔄 Customizable – Add veggies, swap in cream of chicken soup, or use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Equipment: Large skillet, 2-quart baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Layer it up: In a 2-quart baking dish, create layers of potatoes, soup mixture, and ground beef until all ingredients are used.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle cheddar on top and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
Cozy Comfort for Any Night of the Week
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or potluck gatherings. Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, soul-satisfying meal.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this simple casserole proves that delicious comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.