Introduction

This Ultimate Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of easy comfort food. It layers seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. For another hearty ground beef favorite, try this Easy Hamburger Steak and Gravy Recipe. It’s a simple, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

This hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms (or white button mushrooms)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 11 oz Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 3 lbs red potatoes, sliced to about ¼ inch thickness
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Hamburger Potato Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes, as it uses thinly sliced potatoes that cook quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking as soon as your Hamburger Potato Casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2 — Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. For extra flavor, you can add a diced onion to the skillet with the beef.

Step 3 — Create the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup, a cup of milk or beef broth, and your preferred seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it’s well combined and slightly thickened.

Step 4 — Layer the Casserole

Spread a layer of thinly sliced raw potatoes in the bottom of your prepared dish. Pour half of the hamburger and sauce mixture evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the remaining meat sauce.

Tip: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness, about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this.

Step 5 — Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of the casserole. For a golden, crispy topping, you can mix the cheese with a handful of French fried onions or buttered breadcrumbs.

Step 6 — Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. The foil traps steam, which helps the potato slices become tender.

Step 7 — Uncover and Brown

Carefully remove the foil. Return the Hamburger Potato Casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes. It’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the cheese topping is beautifully melted and golden brown.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~22 g
Carbohydrates	~35 g
Fat	~21 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: These are approximate per-serving values for this Hamburger Potato Casserole, based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size. Actual values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Hamburger Potato Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing comfort.

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — A lighter protein swap that reduces saturated fat while maintaining a savory, meaty flavor perfect for this casserole.
• Ground Bison or Lean Grass-Fed Beef — Offers a richer, slightly sweeter flavor profile with a better ratio of healthy fats compared to conventional ground beef.
• Cauliflower Florets or Turnips — A fantastic lower-carb alternative to potatoes, providing a similar hearty texture that soaks up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• Sweet Potatoes or Yukon Golds — For a nutrient boost, these potatoes add more vitamins and a subtly sweeter, creamier note to the dish.
• Nutritional Yeast or Dairy-Free Cheese — Creates a deliciously cheesy, umami flavor for a dairy-free or vegan Hamburger Potato Casserole.
• Gluten-Free Cream Soup or Homemade Roux — Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or a simple roux with cornstarch and broth for a seamless, gluten-free version.
• Low-Sodium Broth & No-Salt Seasonings — Control sodium by using low-sodium broth and boosting flavor with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs.
• Greek Yogurt or Light Sour Cream — Swapped for full-fat sour cream to add creaminess and tang with more protein and less fat.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal in one dish, but a few thoughtful additions can turn it into a memorable dinner. Here are ideas for perfect pairings, occasions, and presentation.

Perfect Pairings

• A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots add color and a fresh texture contrast.
• Fresh Bread: Serve with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Ideal Occasions

This easy casserole is incredibly versatile for feeding a crowd or simplifying weeknights.

• Family Dinners & Potlucks: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that travels and reheats well.
• Game Day or Casual Gatherings: Serve it straight from the dish for a comforting, shareable centerpiece.
• Meal Prep: Portion leftovers for easy, satisfying lunches throughout the week.

Plating & Presentation Tips

A few easy touches make this humble dish look restaurant-worthy.

• Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color.
• For a rustic family-style presentation, bring the baking dish directly to the table.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps the layers set for cleaner serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw ground beef directly in the casserole. Fix: Always brown and drain the hamburger first to prevent a greasy, soggy final dish.
• Mistake: Slicing potatoes unevenly or too thick. Fix: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for uniform, ¼-inch slices to ensure even cooking throughout.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season each layer. Fix: Lightly season the meat, potatoes, and sauce individually for a flavorful Hamburger Potato Casserole from bite to bite.
• Mistake: Overloading with cheese on top too early. Fix: Add cheese in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to get a perfect melt without burning.
• Mistake: Skipping the sauce thickening step. Fix: Simmer your cream soup or sauce base briefly before assembling to achieve the ideal creamy consistency.
• Mistake: Not covering the dish for the first half of baking. Fix: Cover with foil initially to steam the potatoes tender, then uncover to brown the top.
• Mistake: Using only russet potatoes without a rinse. Fix: Rinse sliced russets in cold water to remove excess starch, which prevents a gummy texture.
• Mistake: Undercooking due to impatience. Fix: Bake until a knife slides easily through the center potato layer—this often takes the full recommended time.
• Mistake: Letting the casserole sit straight from the oven. Fix: Allow your potato and hamburger bake to rest for 10 minutes so the sauce sets for cleaner slices.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Hamburger Potato Casserole completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty aluminum pan tightly wrapped with foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or cover and reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe temperature for reheated leftovers.

Always ensure your Hamburger Potato Casserole is covered or sealed properly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from your fridge or freezer.

Conclusion

This hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. We hope your family loves it as much as ours does. If you’re looking for another easy, family-friendly dinner, try our Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

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FAQs

Can I make this Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you cook it from cold. This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

What kind of potatoes work best for this casserole?

We recommend using russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which helps thicken the dish. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier result. Both types hold up well during the long bake time of this hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Portion the cooled leftovers into airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.