Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty hamburger potato casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning appetites.

Layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal that screams home cooking.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures.

The ingredients are straightforward and budget-friendly, making this casserole a go-to for busy families.

Rich, creamy, and packed with protein, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for your next family dinner.

What You Need for Hamburger Potato Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the casserole.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy base that adds depth and moisture to the dish.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and consistent sauce for the casserole.

• Potatoes: Starchy and comforting base that creates a satisfying texture for the casserole.
• Onions: Adds a subtle sweet and savory flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the flavors of the ingredients.

Making the Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

The warm temperature will help transform your ingredients into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and toss in your ground beef.

Let it sizzle and dance over medium-high heat, breaking it into tiny crumbles with a trusty spatula.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and loses its raw appearance.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Magic Mixture

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Chopped onions
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until it becomes a smooth, dreamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Layer Your Casserole Magic

• Spread thin potato slices across the bottom
• Add a generous layer of browned beef
• Pour some creamy soup mixture

Repeat these layers, ending with a final blanket of the creamy soup mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the potatoes become tender and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the layers settle and makes cutting and serving a breeze.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting creation!

Tips for a Perfect Creamy Casserole

• Remove all visible grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more pleasant dish.
• Cut potatoes to uniform thickness so they cook consistently and create a perfect texture throughout the casserole.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese between layers or on top for an extra creamy and rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious protein levels.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which hold their shape well and provide a creamy, tender texture when baked.

Storing and Warming Up Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freezes excellently for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and preserving original taste.

Sides That Pair with This Casserole

Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Hamburger Potato Casserole Pairings

• Crisp Green Salad Boost: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add fresh texture.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the hearty beef and creamy potato layers.
• Zesty Pickle Sidekick: Serve crisp dill pickles or pickle spears to provide a sharp, acidic contrast against the casserole's creamy, savory profile.
• Simple Roasted Vegetable Companion: Prepare roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to enhance the meal's nutritional balance and add vibrant color.

Ways to Change Up the Classic Potato Bake

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular condensed soup with gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and use gluten-free potato slices for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar casserole texture.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, keeping the creamy soup base and layering technique intact.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even lean ground pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before adding them to the casserole?

No, the potatoes will cook perfectly in the casserole as long as they are sliced thinly. The liquid from the soup and milk helps steam and soften the potato slices during baking.

• Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

• Can I make this casserole without condensed soup?

While the condensed soup provides a creamy base, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor or want to avoid processed ingredients.

Why This Hamburger Potato Bake Is So Cozy

• Create a filling dinner that stretches your grocery budget, delivering delicious satisfaction without breaking the bank.
• Prepare a complete meal in just a few steps, combining protein, potatoes, and creamy goodness for a satisfying dinner that comes together effortlessly.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that combines meat, potatoes, and a creamy sauce in a single baking dish, making mealtime a breeze.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting hamburger potato casserole brings hearty midwest flavors to dinner tables with simple ingredients and quick preparation. Meaty layers of ground beef, crisp potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal families will request again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup milk

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (10.5-ounces) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a 2-quart baking dish for a comforting layered casserole.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
3. Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk in a mixing bowl, stirring in chopped onions and seasoning with salt and pepper to create a creamy binding sauce.
4. Arrange a foundation of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the baking dish, creating an even base layer.
5. Distribute the browned beef evenly over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Generously pour the prepared soup mixture over the beef, allowing it to seep between the layers and provide moisture.
7. Repeat the layering process – potatoes, beef, and soup mixture – until all ingredients are incorporated.
8. Finish with a final layer of soup mixture covering the top, which will help prevent the casserole from drying out during baking.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute condensed cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free cream sauce or alternative cream soup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg