When comfort food cravings strike, few dishes can match the hearty satisfaction of a Hamburger Potato Casserole. This classic recipe combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese into a delightful dish that's perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. If you're looking for a way to bring everyone to the table, read on to discover how to make this delicious casserole step-by-step.

What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered baked dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting casserole is easy to make and incredibly versatile, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious casserole:
- 1 ½ pounds of ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is quite adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you might consider:
- Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Ground Meat: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
- Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or a mix of russet and sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor.
- Soup: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade sauce if you prefer.
- Seasonings: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the detailed steps to make this Hamburger Potato Casserole.
How to Cook Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes. Chop the onion.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Layering
- In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes.
- Top the potatoes with half of the beef and onion mixture, then pour half of the soup mixture over it.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Slicing Potatoes Evenly: Unevenly sliced potatoes can result in some being undercooked while others are overcooked. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
- Skipping the Drain: Make sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Overcooking the Beef: Browning the beef too much can make it dry. Cook until it's just browned.
- Not Covering Properly: Ensure the casserole is covered with foil initially to prevent the cheese from burning and the potatoes from drying out.
- Ignoring the Rest Time: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole
This casserole is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Garnish Generously: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Layering: Ensure each serving has visible layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese for an appealing look.
- Serve in Slices: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into neat squares or rectangles for serving.
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature first.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Cheese Topping: For a crispier cheese topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure they are thinly sliced.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat and a vegetable broth-based cream soup.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender, and the top is golden and bubbly.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
Q: What can I use instead of condensed soup?
A: You can make a homemade version using butter, flour, broth, and milk, cooking it until thickened.
Conclusion
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
PrintHamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This hamburger potato casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring ground beef, russet potatoes, and cheddar cheese, it's a delightful blend of flavors. The condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk create a creamy texture, while garlic powder and paprika add depth to the taste. This easy-to-make recipe will become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- In a bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the ground beef mixture.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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