If you’re looking for a meal that’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, then the Hamburger Potato Casserole is the dish for you. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something comforting. It combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, cheesy topping – all baked together into a satisfying one-pan meal.
Perfectly filling yet simple to prepare, this casserole is versatile enough to accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and satisfaction.
Ingredients
For this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground Beef: The base of the dish, offering rich flavor and protein.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced for easy baking and that classic, hearty texture.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar is the most common choice, but you can experiment with different types like mozzarella or a cheese blend.
Onion: Adds savory depth to the dish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This binds everything together, creating a creamy sauce that enhances the flavors.
Milk: To thin out the soup and give the casserole a smooth, creamy consistency.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for the right balance of flavor.
Butter: For greasing the pan and adding richness to the casserole.
Optional Add-Ins:
Bell Peppers: For a pop of color and extra flavor.
Sour Cream: To add creaminess and a slight tanginess.
Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat.
Directions
Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Set them aside.
Chop the onion and any additional vegetables (if using).
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Cook the Onion
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Layer the bottom with half of the sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of ground beef and onions.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the casserole layers.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole
Make It Ahead of Time: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven – no extra prep needed!
Ingredient Substitutions:
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or make your own. Use dairy-free cheese and milk.
Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carb version.
Layering Tips: To ensure that the potatoes cook evenly, make sure they are thinly sliced. If you prefer extra crispy potatoes, leave them uncovered for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Variations of Hamburger Potato Casserole
Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor: Consider adding some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the ground beef mixture. Not only does it boost the flavor, but it also adds extra nutrients.
Spicy Twist with Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat, slice some jalapeños or add a splash of hot sauce to the casserole mixture before baking. The heat will infuse into the dish, giving it a delightful kick.
Conclusion
The Hamburger Potato Casserole is truly a versatile and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and comforting dinner, it’s a dish that never disappoints. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and creamy goodness is a true winner in any kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this casserole is a go-to comfort food for many!
FAQs
How do I store leftover Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Is it possible to substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
Absolutely! You can swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. The flavor will still be delicious!
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add some sliced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
What sides go well with Hamburger Potato Casserole?
A simple green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair wonderfully with this casserole. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese for a perfect family meal. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that brings all the best flavors together in one dish, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix well and remove from heat.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom.
- Spread half of the beef mixture on top of the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: add the remaining potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option instead of ground beef.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the casserole.
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg