If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both simple and delicious, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect. It’s an ideal choice for busy families, casual weeknight dinners, or even a potluck dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Made with ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole brings all the comfort you crave in a single dish.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is so great and how to make it in just a few steps!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hamburger Potato Casserole combines the savory flavors of beef with the creamy richness of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
Kid-Friendly: The flavors are mild and comforting, making it a hit with even picky eaters.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like potatoes and ground beef, this dish won’t break the bank.
One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes means less cleanup, which is always a bonus after a busy day.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so delicious. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and their roles in the recipe:

1 pound lean ground beef: The star of the dish, providing savory flavor and hearty protein. Lean beef is preferred to avoid excess grease.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor. You can substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup for a twist.
¾ cup milk: Helps thin out the soup for better consistency. Use whole milk for extra richness or any milk alternative for a dairy-free version.
½ cup chopped onion: Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the dish.
Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the casserole.
3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes: The potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors while providing a starchy base. Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture.
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top of the casserole, making it irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Follow these easy steps to whip up this comforting casserole in no time:

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish bakes evenly.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to break up the beef as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess grease and set the beef aside.
Prepare the soup mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, ¾ cup of milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
Layer the ingredients: In a 2-quart baking dish, create alternating layers of the thinly sliced potatoes, soup mixture, and browned ground beef. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by the soup mixture, and then a layer of beef. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of the soup mixture.
Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Add the cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and becomes bubbly.
Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Casserole

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Hamburger Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Slice Potatoes Evenly: Make sure your potato slices are thin and uniform to ensure they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer works great for this.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the beef just until it’s crumbly and cooked through, but avoid overcooking it, as it will bake in the oven too.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the potatoes are fully cooked, pierce them with a fork. They should be tender but not mushy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you can avoid:

Not Draining the Beef: Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
Undercooking the Potatoes: If your potatoes are too thick or unevenly sliced, they may take longer to cook or remain hard in the center.
Forgetting to Season: Don’t skip the salt and pepper; otherwise, the dish may taste bland.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is rich and hearty, so you might want to serve it with a light and fresh side to balance things out. Here are some ideas:

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad can lighten the meal.
Garlic Bread or Rolls: Something to mop up the delicious creamy sauce.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can add a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

Large skillet
Medium mixing bowl
2-quart baking dish
Aluminum foil
Mandoline slicer (optional for evenly slicing potatoes)
Cheese grater for shredding cheese

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to enjoy the dish later:

Storage: Place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

Feel free to get creative with this Hamburger Potato Casserole. Here are some ideas for customizing it to your taste:

Vegetable Add-Ins: Add layers of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese.
Protein Swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of beef.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and plant-based cheese to make this casserole dairy-free.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold up well during baking and have a great texture.

Can I use a different soup base?
Absolutely. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works just as well if you don’t have cream of mushroom on hand.

Conclusion

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is a perfect go-to meal when you need something comforting, filling, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, family-friendly recipes like this one.