Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand hearty, satisfying meals that comfort your soul, and this hamburger potato casserole recipe delivers pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Ground beef sizzles with savory seasonings, creating layers of rich flavor throughout the dish.

Tender potatoes mingle with perfectly seasoned meat, forming a comforting blend that speaks to classic home cooking.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, adding a creamy texture that makes each forkful irresistible.

Simple ingredients transform into a memorable meal that fills hungry bellies and warms hearts.

This one-pan wonder combines convenience with incredible taste, making dinner preparation a breeze.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this crowd-pleasing casserole that turns an ordinary evening into a remarkable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love Hamburger Potato Casserole

• A hearty, one-dish meal that delivers pure satisfaction with layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese.
• Minimal chopping and simple layering make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings, adapting easily to different tastes and preferences.

What You’ll Need for This Casserole

• Russet Potatoes: Fresh potatoes that create a hearty base for the casserole and provide a comforting texture.
• Ground Beef: Lean protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy, tangy element to the casserole.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy mixture that helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices and aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the beef and potato layers.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and greasing the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish for the finished casserole.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Kitchen Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a cutting board and knife to slice russet potatoes into thin, even rounds.

Chop onions into small pieces to enhance beef flavor.

Step 2: Brown Beef And Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and onions, cooking until meat turns brown and onions become soft.

Drain extra grease to prevent a fatty dish.

Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for robust seasoning.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Whisk condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

Create initial potato layer across the bottom.

Spread half of the beef and onion mixture.

Pour half of the mushroom soup mixture.

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese generously.

Step 5: Complete Layering

Repeat the previous layer sequence.

Ensure the top is completely covered with cheese for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 1 hour.

Remove foil and continue baking for additional 30 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Serve warm and savor the delicious comfort food.

Tips to Get It Just Right

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a professional-looking dish.
• Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole and concentrating rich flavors.
• Let casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from oven to allow cheese to set and become creamy, creating a perfect cheesy texture.
• Replace regular condensed soup with low-sodium versions and reduce added salt to make the recipe more heart-friendly without compromising taste.
• Prepare the entire casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead meals or busy weeknights.

How to Keep and Reheat Potato Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container, seal tightly, and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, remove casserole from refrigerator, and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy top.

Great Pairings for This Comfort Dish

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's creamy texture.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add nutritional variety.
• Match with Craft Beer Selection: Choose a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the casserole's bold, savory profile, enhancing the overall dining experience with its complementary taste notes.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness and provides a subtle aromatic lift.

Ways to Switch Up This Potato Bake

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Swap condensed cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and mushrooms to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, cheesy flavor profile intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, and replace milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for those with dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just ensure they are sliced thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace regular milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply omit the cheese for a lactose-free version.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

• What ground meat works best for this recipe?

While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or lean ground chicken are excellent substitutes that work well with the same seasonings and cooking method.