Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce that bakes into a bubbling, golden delight. This one-dish meal is simple to put together and is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added depth)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture

Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it from the pan.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Combine Soup and Milk: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add paprika and thyme if desired for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer Potatoes and Beef: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer, covering the casserole evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through.
Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender. You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes to set.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole

Thinly Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes as thin as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
Choose the Right Cheese: Cheddar works well, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Cook Beef Mixture Completely: Browning the beef with onions and garlic adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Variations on Hamburger Potato Casserole

Add Vegetables:

Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for a colorful, veggie-filled version.

Spicy Version:

Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Bacon Twist:

Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top for an extra savory layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Hamburger Potato Casserole with:

A Green Salad: Adds freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great, nutritious sides.
Dinner Rolls: Great for scooping up the delicious creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Wrap in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a lighter version of this dish.

How Do I Prevent the Potatoes from Being Undercooked?

Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly, and bake the casserole covered for the first portion of the cook time. This helps steam the potatoes, making them tender.

Can I Use Fresh Mushrooms Instead of Cream Soup?

Absolutely! Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the beef mixture, then replace the soup and milk with 1 cup of heavy cream or a homemade mushroom sauce.

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is the perfect go-to for hearty comfort food that everyone will love. Simple to make and full of delicious, home-cooked flavors, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy!