Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty, homemade casserole that brings the whole family together around the dinner table. This Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food – combining seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish.

Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a delicious, filling meal that even picky eaters will love. Let me walk you through creating this crowd-pleasing favorite that’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

What is “Hamburger and Potato Casserole”?

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic American comfort food dish that layers seasoned ground beef with sliced potatoes and cheese, then bakes everything together until golden and bubbly. This one-dish meal combines protein, vegetables, and starch in a satisfying casserole that’s both economical and delicious.

The dish originated from the tradition of stretching budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and potatoes into hearty family meals. It’s similar to shepherd’s pie but with a more rustic, layered approach that makes it easier to prepare and serve.

Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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

Creating this delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole is straightforward when you follow these detailed steps. Here’s how to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
• Keep sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning while you prepare other ingredients.

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 and translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
• Drain excess fat from the pan.

3. Season the Meat Mixture:

• Stir in the onion soup mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the beef.
• Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Cream Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
• This mixture will help bind the casserole and keep the potatoes moist during baking.

5. Layer the Casserole:

• Drain the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
• Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
• Pour half of the cream sauce over the beef layer.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
• Layer the remaining potato slices on top, creating an attractive overlapping pattern.

6. Add Final Touches and Bake:

• Pour the remaining cream sauce over the top layer of potatoes.
• Dot with small pieces of butter for extra richness and browning.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
• Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Continue baking uncovered for 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden brown.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Ground Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a mixture of beef and pork for different flavor profiles.
• Potato Varieties: While russet potatoes work best, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture.
• Cheese Alternatives: Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar for variety.
• Soup Base: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even a cheese soup for different flavors.
• Add Vegetables: Layer in frozen mixed vegetables, corn, or green beans between the beef and potato layers.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Hamburger and Potato Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Cutting Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices won’t cook evenly. Aim for ¼-inch slices for best results.
• Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole oily and affect the texture of the final dish.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the layers to set properly for cleaner serving.
• Overcooking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final uncovered baking time to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Not Testing Potato Doneness: Use a fork to test that potatoes are tender before removing from the oven.

How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole serves beautifully as a complete meal, but you can enhance the dining experience with complementary sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole. Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to the plate.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving with warm dinner rolls or cornbread. The casserole pairs well with simple sides that don’t compete with its robust flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Make your Hamburger and Potato Casserole look as appetizing as it tastes with these presentation tips:

• Garnish Thoughtfully: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the golden cheese top for a pop of color.
• Serve in Style: Use a large serving spoon to create neat squares that show off the beautiful layers.
• Add Fresh Elements: A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives on each serving adds elegance and freshness.
• Color Contrast: Serve on white plates to make the golden-brown casserole colors pop.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

These expert tips will help you achieve the best possible results:

• Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to ensure all potato slices are the same thickness for even cooking.
• Pat Potatoes Dry: Remove excess moisture from potato slices to prevent a watery casserole.
• Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Resting: Always let the casserole rest after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
• Check Doneness: Test the potatoes with a fork through the center to ensure they’re completely tender.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

How to Store Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Proper storage ensures your leftover casserole remains delicious and safe to eat. Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking). Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or freeze the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Hamburger and Potato Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 15-20 extra minutes to account for the cold start temperature.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw completely before baking as directed.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can substitute with cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.

Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: Insert a fork through the center of the casserole. The potatoes should be tender with no resistance. If they’re still firm, continue baking covered for 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Certainly! Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly for the best results.

Q: What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?
A: A mandoline slicer gives the most consistent results, but a sharp knife works well too. Aim for ¼-inch thick slices for even cooking.

Conclusion

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe proves that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest ingredients. By combining seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, you create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. The layered presentation makes it perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep sessions.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and make-ahead convenience. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this casserole delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by trying different variations and serving suggestions. With proper technique and quality ingredients, you’ll have a go-to comfort food recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every hearty, delicious bite!