Hamburger Potato Casserole

Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—layered with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melty cheese. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for cozy weeknights or when you need a fuss-free dish that feeds a crowd.

Imagine juicy ground beef, golden potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese all baked together into one rich, flavorful meal. This casserole doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it’s a nostalgic, homey dish that brings people together around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients – pantry staples like potatoes, ground beef, and cheese.
Comfort in every bite – creamy, cheesy, savory layers.
Make-ahead friendly – assemble in advance and bake when ready.

Family favorite – kids and adults alike will love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef – lean works best for less grease.
4 medium russet potatoes – thinly sliced for even cooking.
1 onion, chopped – adds depth and sweetness.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – creates a creamy base.
½ cup milk – thins out the soup for perfect layering.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar is ideal.
1 tsp garlic powder – for extra flavor.
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil – for browning the beef.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook the beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until browned (about 8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

3. Prepare the potatoes

Thinly slice the russet potatoes (about ¼ inch thick). Layer half of them in the bottom of your casserole dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the casserole

Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk, then pour half over the beef and potatoes.
Sprinkle on half the cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Tips for Success

Use a mandoline slicer for evenly sliced potatoes.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor.
For a crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the browning step – browning the beef adds tons of flavor.

Overcooking potatoes – slice evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Using too much cheese – stick to about 2 cups for balance.
Under-seasoning – add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.

Variations

Cheesy twist: Try mozzarella, Gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Loaded casserole: Add cooked bacon and green onions on top.
Healthy swap: Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower slices instead of russets.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I know the potatoes are done?
Insert a knife into the center—if it slides in easily, they’re tender.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Assemble, freeze before baking, and then bake straight from frozen (adding 15–20 minutes to the bake time).

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Brown beef and onion in a skillet with olive oil. Drain fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the casserole dish. Add half the beef, half the soup mixture, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.

Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until golden and bubbly.
Rest 10 minutes before serving.

✨ This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and endlessly comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special!