Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

When life gets busy and you need a comforting, one-dish meal that feeds the whole family, nothing beats an Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This hearty dish brings together seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in perfect harmony.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and brings everyone to the dinner table. Let me share this foolproof recipe that will become your go-to comfort food solution.

What is “Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole”?

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic American comfort food that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese, all baked together in one dish. This hearty casserole originated from the need for economical, filling meals that could stretch ingredients to feed large families.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s essentially a complete meal in one pan, providing protein, starch, and vegetables all in one satisfying bite. The potatoes become tender and creamy, the ground beef adds savory richness, and the cheese creates that irresistible golden top that makes everyone come back for seconds.

Ingredients List for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 6-8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about ¼ inch)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooking spray for the baking dish

How to Cook Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious casserole is straightforward, but following these steps carefully will ensure the best results every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into uniform ¼-inch thick rounds.
• Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Cook until beef is completely browned, about 6-8 minutes.
• Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
• Mix until smooth and well combined.
• Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
• If using frozen vegetables, add them now and stir to combine.

4. Layer the Casserole:

• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
• Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
• Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef.
• Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Bake the Casserole:

• Place in preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Remove foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
• Test doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes – they should be tender.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
• Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations you can try:

• Meat Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for different flavor profiles. You can also use a combination of meats.
• Potato Varieties: While russet potatoes work best, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Sweet potatoes make an interesting twist.
• Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar. Sharp cheddar gives more flavor than mild.
• Soup Base: Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even cheese soup for different flavors.
• Vegetable Additions: Add corn, green beans, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to cut calories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After making this casserole countless times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Cutting Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices won’t cook evenly. Stick to ¼-inch thickness for best results.
• Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole oily and prevent proper browning of the cheese top.
• Skipping the Resting Time: The casserole needs time to set after baking, or it will be watery when served.
• Overcooking: Check for doneness with a fork – overcooked potatoes become mushy.
• Not Covering During Initial Baking: The foil is crucial for steaming the potatoes and ensuring they cook through.

How to Serve Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but I like to pair it with complementary sides. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to the plate.

For a more substantial meal, serve with warm dinner rolls or cornbread. The casserole also pairs wonderfully with coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation Ideas for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

While this is comfort food at its finest, you can still make it look appealing:

• Individual Portions: Bake in individual ramekins for elegant single servings.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions add color and freshness.
• Layer Visibility: When serving, make sure to scoop deep so each portion shows the beautiful layers.
• Color Contrast: Serve on white or light-colored plates to showcase the golden-brown top.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for casserole success:

• Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure all potato slices are the same thickness.
• Season Each Layer: Don’t rely only on the meat seasoning – lightly salt each potato layer.
• Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality ground beef and real cheese for the best flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, then bake when ready.
• Test for Doneness: The top should be golden brown and potatoes fork-tender throughout.
• Double Recipe: This freezes well, so consider making two and freezing one for later.

How to Store Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Proper storage keeps your leftovers delicious and safe to eat. Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish.

To reheat refrigerated leftovers, cover and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Q: Why are my potatoes still hard after baking?
A: This usually means the potato slices were cut too thick or the casserole wasn’t covered properly during the initial baking phase. Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and cover with foil.

Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain them first. The cooking time may be slightly less since frozen hash browns are partially pre-cooked.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent a watery casserole?
A: Drain the ground beef thoroughly, don’t skip the resting time after baking, and avoid adding extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: While possible, the texture won’t be the same. The slow cooker version will be more like a stew than a layered casserole with a golden cheese top.

Q: How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
A: Insert a fork into the center – it should slide easily through all layers. The top should be golden brown and the edges should be bubbling.

Conclusion

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole represents everything I love about comfort food – it’s satisfying, budget-friendly, and brings families together around the dinner table. This recipe has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights and has impressed guests at potluck dinners more times than I can count.

What makes this dish truly special is its ability to transform simple, affordable ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor and texture that satisfy both kids and adults alike.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings. Once you master the basic technique, you’ll find yourself returning to this reliable recipe whenever you need to feed a crowd or simply want to treat your family to something special. Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it has been in mine!