Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty casserole that combines tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese into one creamy, satisfying dish. This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole brings all that and more — rich flavor, comforting texture, and an aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table before it’s even out of the oven.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potluck gatherings, this casserole is simple to prepare using everyday pantry staples. With thinly sliced potatoes layered between seasoned ground beef and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and always a hit.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy home-cooked meal, this casserole delivers warm, cheesy perfection in every bite.
⏱️ Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
👩🍳 Instructions
STEP 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly — about ⅛ inch thick — so they cook evenly. Chop the onion and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess grease, then stir in the chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
STEP 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that keeps the casserole moist and rich as it bakes.
STEP 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Layer the ingredients as follows:
- First Layer: Half of the sliced potatoes
- Second Layer: Half of the beef mixture
- Third Layer: Half of the soup mixture
- Fourth Layer: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top. Drizzle the melted butter over the top layer for golden, crispy edges.
STEP 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
STEP 5: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and serve warm.
Pair it with a green salad, steamed veggies, or a slice of garlic bread for the perfect comfort meal.
💡 Tips & Variations
- 🥕 Add more veggies: Mix in corn, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- 🧀 Switch up the cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- 🥘 Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- 🍄 Change the soup: Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken, celery, or cheddar soup.
- 🌶️ Add a kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves its creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Easy to make: Simple layering and common ingredients — no fancy tools needed.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable staples found in most kitchens.
- Comfort in every bite: A perfect mix of creamy, hearty, and cheesy goodness.
This is the kind of recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly — classic, cozy, and downright delicious.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This hamburger potato casserole pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp garden salad
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Homemade biscuits or dinner rolls
- A cool glass of iced tea or lemonade
🕒 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
❤️ Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is pure comfort food at its best — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead dinner, a budget-friendly meal, or just a cozy dish to warm up a chilly night, this casserole delivers.
Next time you’re craving something comforting and crowd-pleasing, give this recipe a try — you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy every bite of this golden, cheesy, beef-and-potato perfection! 🥔🧀🍽️
