Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

When comfort food meets convenience, magic happens in the kitchen. This Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is the perfect example of a hearty, satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this dish delivers all the warmth and flavor you crave in a single pan.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a potluck gathering, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and can be prepped ahead of time. Let me walk you through creating this crowd-pleasing dish that’s destined to become a regular in your meal rotation.

What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic American comfort food dish that combines ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese in a creamy, baked casserole. This one-dish wonder originated from the tradition of hearty, economical meals that could feed large families with simple, affordable ingredients.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility and simplicity. Unlike more complex dishes, it requires minimal prep work and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The result is a filling, nutritious meal that satisfies both adults and children alike.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Potato Casserole

• 2 pounds medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 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 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooking spray for greasing

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

Creating the perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole involves layering flavors and textures to achieve that ideal comfort food experience. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin, even rounds (about ⅛-inch thick).
• A mandoline slicer works perfectly for uniform slices, but a sharp knife will do just fine.
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, typically 6-8 minutes.
• Drain excess fat from the pan.

3. Prepare the Creamy Base:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
• Whisk until smooth and well combined.
• Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) to the mixture.
• Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

4. Layer the Casserole:

• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern in the prepared baking dish.
• Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
• Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef layer, spreading it to cover evenly.
• Add the remaining potato slices in another overlapping layer.
• Pour the remaining creamy mixture over the top potato layer.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Bake to Perfection:

• Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
• Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
• Continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
• Test doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes; they should be tender throughout.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Cut into squares and serve while hot.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Hamburger Potato Casserole is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations I recommend trying:

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.
• Potato Varieties: Try using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavors.
• Soup Base: Replace cream of mushroom with cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even a homemade white sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Include frozen mixed vegetables, corn kernels, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose intolerance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After making this casserole countless times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls that can affect the final result:

• Cutting Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices won’t cook evenly and may remain hard in the center.
• Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole oily and prevent proper binding of ingredients.
• Skipping the Resting Period: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking will result in a runny, messy serving.
• Overcooking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final uncovered baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Insufficient Seasoning: Taste your beef mixture before layering to ensure it’s properly seasoned.

How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole works beautifully as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with complementary sides to create a well-rounded dinner. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with ranch dressing to cut through the richness, or steam some fresh broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread make excellent accompaniments for soaking up any extra sauce. For beverages, consider iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer that won’t compete with the rich flavors of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole

While this is definitely comfort food, you can elevate its presentation with a few simple touches:

• Individual Portions: Use ramekins to create personal-sized casseroles for a more elegant presentation.
• Herb Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, chives, or dill add color and freshness to each serving.
• Colorful Vegetables: Add diced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the top layer for visual appeal.
• Broiler Finish: Give the top a beautiful golden-brown finish by running it under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

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

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Even Cooking: Use a mandoline or food processor to ensure uniformly sliced potatoes that cook at the same rate.
• Flavor Boost: Add a packet of onion soup mix to the ground beef for extra savory flavor.
• Crispy Top: For a crispier cheese topping, switch to the broil setting for the last few minutes of cooking.
• Portion Control: Use an ice cream scoop to portion the ground beef mixture evenly across the potato layer.

How to Store Hamburger Potato Casserole

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers safely and deliciously. Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons.

Cover the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the entire casserole or individual portions in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes for refrigerated leftovers or 35-40 minutes for thawed portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant potatoes instead of fresh? A: While fresh potatoes give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen hash browns or even prepare a layer of instant mashed potatoes as a variation.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being watery? A: Make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly and don’t skip the resting period after baking. The casserole needs time to set and absorb excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: What’s the best way to slice potatoes uniformly? A: A mandoline slicer is ideal, but if you don’t have one, use a sharp knife and try to keep slices consistent at about ⅛-inch thickness.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? A: Absolutely! Frozen corn, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini all work well. Just be mindful that additional vegetables may add moisture to the dish.

Q: Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking? A: Yes, covering prevents the top from browning too quickly while the potatoes cook through. Removing the foil for the final portion allows the cheese to brown beautifully.

Conclusion

Hamburger Potato Casserole represents everything I love about comfort food cooking – it’s simple, satisfying, and brings people together. This recipe has been a lifesaver on countless busy weeknights when I needed something hearty that would please the whole family without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, you’ll find this casserole easy to master and customize to your family’s preferences. From the golden, bubbly cheese top to the tender layers of potatoes and savory beef, every bite delivers the comfort and satisfaction we all crave.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different ingredients and variations. Most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a meal that will warm hearts and fill bellies. Happy cooking, and I hope this Hamburger Potato Casserole becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine!