Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and completely satisfying, look no further than this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s everything you love about a cozy, home-cooked meal, packed into one dish. Think perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese all baked together in the most delicious, filling way. It’s like a big, warm hug on a plate, and trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this casserole is the answer to your craving for comfort food. It’s simple, flavorful, and the kind of dish everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Hearty and Filling:

This casserole is the perfect one-dish meal. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, it’s sure to keep you full and satisfied. It’s like a full dinner in every bite.

Quick and Easy:

Don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? No worries! This recipe is simple to follow and takes very little prep time, so you can get it into the oven in a flash.

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this casserole. Most of the ingredients are likely already sitting in your pantry or fridge, making it both affordable and convenient.

Family-Friendly:

It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

Customizable:

You can easily adjust this casserole to suit your taste. Add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or throw in a dash of your favorite seasoning to make it your own.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this casserole to life:

Ground Beef:

The hearty base of this casserole. Ground beef adds rich flavor and gives the dish that satisfying, meaty texture.

Potatoes:

Thinly sliced potatoes are the star of this dish, soaking up all the savory flavors as they bake to perfection. You can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy texture.

Cheese:

Shredded cheese, usually cheddar, makes this casserole melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra cheesy kick.

Onion:

For that savory depth of flavor, a diced onion will add just the right amount of sweetness and balance to the dish.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor and fragrance that elevates the entire casserole.

Cream of Mushroom Soup:

This canned soup adds creaminess and a rich, savory base to the casserole, binding everything together into a cohesive, mouthwatering dish.

Milk:

Milk helps to thin out the soup and creates a smooth, creamy consistency in the casserole filling.

Seasonings:

A simple combination of salt, pepper, and some dried herbs (like thyme or oregano) brings out the natural flavors and makes everything taste even better.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients, let’s dive into making this cozy casserole:

Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it enough time to come to temperature while you prep the casserole.

Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.

Make the Casserole Sauce:

In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like. Stir until smooth and well-combined.

Layer the Casserole:

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the creamy soup mixture over it. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef, followed by the rest of the soup mixture.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will melt and create that golden, bubbly topping you’re craving.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy the perfect bite of cheesy, meaty goodness with every spoonful!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 21g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to round out the meal:

Fresh Salad:

A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich and savory casserole.

Garlic Bread:

Serve alongside some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all the delicious flavors from the casserole.

Roasted Vegetables:

Add some roasted veggies, like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini, for a nutrient-packed and colorful side dish.

Pickles or Olives:

A tangy side like pickles or olives can balance out the richness of the casserole and add a little extra flavor to each bite.

Simple Sautéed Greens:

A side of sautéed spinach or kale adds a burst of freshness to this hearty dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Prep Ahead:

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it the night before. Simply store it in the fridge, covered, and bake it the next day when you’re ready.

Swap the Protein:

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

Add Veggies:

For a more colorful and nutritious casserole, feel free to add some veggies. Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas would be excellent additions.

Make It Spicy:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or mix in some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers, and it reheats beautifully!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes in this casserole?

A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them before layering them in the casserole to ensure even cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of soup?

A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can use cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven to bake.

Q4: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A4: Of course! Cheddar is the most common choice, but feel free to use mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Q5: How do I make this casserole spicier?

A5: To add a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?

A6: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Q7: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?

A7: Yes, if you have leftover cooked ground beef, you can use that instead. Just be sure to add the seasonings and onions as directed for flavor.

Q8: How can I make this casserole healthier?

A8: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a lower-fat version, and add more vegetables like peas or spinach for a nutrient boost.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q10: Can I make this casserole without cheese?

A10: Yes! If you’re not a fan of cheese or prefer a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a filling, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for a warm, delicious dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

Print