If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that the whole family will love, this Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy, cheesy goodness come together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a simple, budget-friendly recipe that’s easy to throw together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With minimal ingredients and prep time, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite, delivering comfort in every bite.
Let’s dive into the full recipe and step-by-step guide to making this delicious casserole!
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 4-5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (for added flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (for added veggies)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then set the beef aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
While the beef is cooking, peel (if desired) and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick so they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline slicer for quick, even slices. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you finish prepping the other ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken), milk, and, if desired, sour cream. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your base sauce that makes the casserole rich and flavorful. You can also add in bacon bits or frozen vegetables like peas or corn at this point to customize your dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. In your prepared casserole dish, layer about half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the beef and potatoes, ensuring it’s spread evenly.
Repeat the layers: add the rest of the potatoes, followed by the remaining ground beef, and then top with the rest of the sauce. Make sure the sauce covers the layers well, as this helps everything cook evenly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole. You can use cheddar for a sharp flavor, mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture, or a combination of both.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
For a crispy, golden top, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking and let the cheese brown slightly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Slice and serve warm. Enjoy this rich, cheesy, and savory casserole as a main dish alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Cooking Tips and Tricks:
- Customizable Protein: While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can swap it out for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load the casserole with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses. Try adding Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if starting from cold.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Flavor Profile:
The Hamburger Potato Casserole has layers of flavor and texture. The ground beef is savory and seasoned with garlic, paprika, and pepper, while the potatoes add a creamy, hearty base to the dish. The cheese on top melts into a gooey layer that brings richness, while the cream of mushroom soup ties everything together with a velvety smoothness. The result is a comforting casserole with a balance of tender potatoes, flavorful beef, and creamy, cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is rich and hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A fresh green salad: Lighten up the meal with a crisp salad topped with a simple vinaigrette.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for extra nutrition.
- Dinner rolls: Add a side of warm, fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Wine and Beverage Pairing:
- Wine: Pair this comforting dish with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The rich, bold flavors of the wine complement the savory ground beef and creamy potatoes.
- Beer: For beer lovers, a crisp lager or amber ale would cut through the richness of the casserole while enhancing its flavors.
- Non-alcoholic: Serve with a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon to balance the hearty dish.
Seasonal Suggestions:
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is perfect for cooler weather when you crave warm, comforting meals. Serve it in the fall and winter for a cozy family dinner. In the spring or summer, pair it with lighter sides like a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to balance its richness.
