This easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and cheesy, with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich mushroom sauce. It’s the perfect all-in-one meal that comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this casserole because it’s simple, affordable, and absolutely satisfying. With minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it delivers big flavor and comforting warmth in every bite. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your family’s tastes and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or other seasonings of choice
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions over medium heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom.
Spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef for a different twist.
Vegetable Boost: Add layers of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a creamier texture.
Sauce Substitute: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor.
Spice It Up: Add paprika, chili flakes, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a bolder taste.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.
2. Do I need to cook the potatoes before layering?
No, the thinly sliced potatoes will cook through in the oven as long as they’re evenly sliced.
3. Can I use raw onions instead of cooking them with the beef?
Yes, but sautéing them first adds more flavor and removes the raw bite.
4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese and substitute the milk with a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked beef before layering.
6. What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold up well and become tender without falling apart.
7. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely—corn, green beans, or mushrooms make great additions.
8. Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer the ingredients as directed and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
9. What can I serve with hamburger potato casserole?
It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls.
10. How do I make this casserole more flavorful?
Add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra depth.
Conclusion
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that’s hearty, delicious, and family-approved. With tender layers of potatoes, seasoned beef, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a simple recipe that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or other seasonings of choice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions over medium heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom.
Spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use a mandoline slicer for evenly sliced potatoes.
Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to avoid a watery casserole.
Can be assembled ahead and baked later.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave individual portions.
