This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food, featuring layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, a creamy mushroom soup mixture, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Simple to prepare and loved by all, this casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that are pantry staples.
- Rich, creamy layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
- Easy to prepare with minimal prep work.
- A family-friendly dish that pleases even picky eaters.
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
- Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Create alternating layers of sliced potatoes, the soup mixture, and the browned ground beef in the dish, starting and ending with the potatoes.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top, and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate diced carrots, peas, or green beans for a more balanced meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Herb Lovers: Sprinkle fresh or dried thyme, parsley, or rosemary into the soup mixture.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works well in this recipe.
2. Do I need to cook the potatoes before layering?
No, the thinly sliced potatoes will cook in the oven. Ensure they are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.
3. Can I use a different soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great alternatives.
4. How do I ensure the potatoes cook through?
Slice them evenly and no thicker than 1/8 inch. Covering the casserole with foil helps steam the potatoes as they bake.
5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if starting from cold.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and has a creamier texture.
8. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor twist and work well in this casserole.
9. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
10. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese to the layers or top for a cheesier casserole.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese topping. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a dish that your family will ask for time and time again. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this casserole is a recipe you’ll love keeping in your rotation!
PrintEasy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Author: fella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make dinner easy with this Hamburger Potato Casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. A comforting classic perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Casserole:
- In a 2-quart baking dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Thinly sliced potatoes
- A portion of the soup mixture
- Browned ground beef
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with the soup mixture on top.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté the onions with the ground beef before layering.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a different twist.
- Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to make it heartier.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté the onions with the ground beef before layering.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a different twist.
- Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to make it heartier.
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