Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Comfort in a Dish

Whipping up a hearty hamburger potato casserole promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with tender potato slices for a satisfying meal.

Creamy textures and robust flavors create a memorable dining experience that feels like a warm hug.

Cheesy goodness melts through each delectable bite, connecting simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners transform with this uncomplicated yet delicious recipe that speaks directly to home cooking traditions.

No fancy techniques or complicated steps stand between you and a fantastic family feast.

Eager stomachs will appreciate this classic dish that turns basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base for the casserole.
• Potatoes: Starchy and comforting base layer of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that adds rich flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy binding sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the ground beef.
• Foil: Used for covering during initial baking.

Preparing a Classic Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drain away any extra fat that’s pooled in the pan.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl until it becomes completely smooth and silky.

Step 3: Build the Layered Masterpiece

• First layer of sliced potatoes
• Sprinkle of salt and pepper
• Half the cooked beef
• Half the creamy soup mixture

Repeat these layers one more time.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The potatoes should become fork-tender and completely soft.

Step 5: Cheese the Top

Pull out the casserole, remove the foil, and blanket the top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with a light sprinkle of paprika. Scoop out generous portions and dive into this ultimate comfort meal!

Casserole Tips That Elevate Hamburger Potato Layers

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crisp, delicious texture.
• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Cut potatoes to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and perfect tenderness throughout the dish.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, dried thyme, or cayenne pepper to elevate the casserole's taste profile.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or chicken, and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup for a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare the casserole in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead meal.

Store Hamburger Potato Casserole Comfortably

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Flavor Picks

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy, heavy texture and cut through its richness.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Opt for an amber ale or robust brown ale that matches the hearty beef and potato profile, enhancing the dish's comfort food appeal.
• Serve Bright Vegetable Garnish: Add roasted green beans or steamed broccoli with a light lemon seasoning to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the dense casserole.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Comfort Ideas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that keeps the hearty flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole that maintains the classic comfort food texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular milk and cheddar cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Are potatoes the best choice for this casserole?

Potatoes work perfectly because they absorb flavors well, provide creamy texture, and create hearty layers that make the casserole filling and satisfying.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can replace ground beef while maintaining similar taste and texture.

• How do I prevent my potatoes from getting mushy?

Slice potatoes evenly and consistently, about 1/4 inch thick, which helps them cook uniformly and maintain a good texture during baking.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, canned soup, and cheese, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Casserole That Layers Ground Beef and Potatoes Into Comfort

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: Perfect for busy families needing a hearty, no-fuss meal that comes together with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Customize Your Casserole: Easily swap ingredients like switching ground beef for turkey or adding vegetables to create a personalized dish that matches your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Delivers delicious, filling results using affordable pantry staples and basic ingredients that won't break the bank while feeding multiple hungry mouths.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplifies meal preparation by combining protein, potatoes, and creamy sauce in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making dinnertime stress-free.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia on a single plate, blending ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese into a satisfying family dinner. Savory layers promise warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat browns and onions soften, infusing the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
2. Craft a silky sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating. Arrange the first potato layer, creating an even foundation. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then distribute half the seasoned beef across the surface.
4. Drizzle half the creamy soup mixture over the beef, ensuring thorough coverage. Construct a second identical layer using remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
5. Envelop the dish with aluminum foil, then slide into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize and flavors to meld.
6. Remove foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the casserole’s surface. Return to oven and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape.
7. Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Optional: Dust with paprika for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty comfort dish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the comforting essence intact.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to boost nutritional value and add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef.
• Enhance flavor by adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage for extra texture and depth.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinners super convenient.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg