Hamburger Potato Casserole A Meal to Share with Loved Ones

There’s something about casseroles that brings a sense of warmth and comfort, and when you combine tender potatoes, juicy beef, and melted cheese, you get a winning dish that’s easy to make and loved by everyone. Hamburger Potato Casserole is a go-to favorite for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and even as a crowd-pleasing dish for parties and family gatherings. It’s simple, hearty, and adaptable—making it a perfect choice for almost any occasion.

Whether you’re in need of a filling dinner or just a quick meal that satisfies, this casserole will hit the spot. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be customized to your preferences with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, and the end result is always mouthwatering!

Why You’ll Love Hamburger Potato Casserole

If you haven’t tried a Hamburger Potato Casserole yet, let me tell you why this dish should be on your radar. Here are just a few reasons why it’s so special:

• Versatility: This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your taste. Whether you prefer ground turkey over beef or want to use a different type of cheese, you can easily make it your own.

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep work involved, this casserole can be assembled in under 20 minutes. Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to relax while it bakes into a cheesy, golden masterpiece.

• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day! Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like potatoes and ground beef, this recipe is not only filling but also easy on the wallet.

Ingredients for the Perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Russet Potatoes: A staple in casseroles, these potatoes are starchy and become wonderfully soft and creamy when baked.
• Lean Ground Beef: The beef adds protein and flavor to the casserole. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted for a lighter version.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy base that binds everything together. If you don’t like mushrooms, opt for cream of chicken soup.
• Milk: For creaminess and to help loosen up the soup for a smooth consistency.
• Shredded Cheese: We recommend a blend like Colby Jack, but cheddar cheese or mozzarella are excellent alternatives as well.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, you’ll need basic pantry staples to bring all the flavors together.

Tips for Making the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole

Now that we know what goes into the casserole, let’s talk about a few helpful tips to make sure you get the perfect result:

1. Uniform Potato Slices: Ensure the potatoes are cut into even slices. This helps them cook evenly and ensures each bite is just as tender as the next. You can use a mandoline slicer to make this task quicker and more precise.

2. Drain the Ground Beef: After browning the beef, be sure to drain off any excess grease. This will keep the casserole from becoming too greasy and will result in a more balanced dish.

3. Layering is Key: Layer the potatoes, beef, and cheese carefully in your baking dish. For an even cook, it’s important to spread the ingredients in an even layer to ensure every bite has a bit of everything.

4. Foil for Tender Potatoes: Cover the casserole with foil while baking the first part of the time. This helps the potatoes cook through without drying out. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble up to a golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and that the potatoes soften to perfection.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown 2 lbs of lean ground beef over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel and slice 5 small russet potatoes into thin rounds. If you have a mandoline slicer, now’s the perfect time to use it. Make sure the slices are about 1/8-inch thick for even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Soup Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup with 1 1/2 cups of milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until smooth. This will be the creamy base that binds all the layers of the casserole together.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking. Begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, followed by half of the creamy soup mixture and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers in the same order, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the potatoes to soften and cook through.

Step 7: Finish Baking and Serve

After an hour, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes to allow the top to brown and the cheese to melt. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Additional Recipe Variations to Try

While the classic Hamburger Potato Casserole is fantastic on its own, you can personalize it to suit your taste preferences:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for varied flavors. You can even use a mix of cheeses for extra richness.

• Ground Meat Substitutes: Try ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative to beef. You can even use Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful twist.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add some extra veggies for a burst of color and nutrition. Onions, green peppers, or mushrooms are great options that complement the flavors in the casserole.

• Spicy Kick: For those who like some heat, add jalapeños or chili powder to the beef mixture for a flavorful, spicy kick.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole

While this casserole is a hearty dish on its own, pairing it with a light side can create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few options to serve alongside:

• Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

• Steamed Vegetables: Quick and simple steamed broccoli or green beans are excellent choices that add texture and flavor.

• Garlic Bread: For a bit of indulgence, serve the casserole with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra cheese and sauce.

Can I Freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. To freeze:

• Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking.
• Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed.

Nutritional Information for Hamburger Potato Casserole

For those who like to keep an eye on nutrition, here’s an approximate breakdown of the casserole’s calories and macros per serving:

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your exact ingredient choices, but this table provides a helpful baseline. If you’re looking to adjust the recipe for a lower-calorie or lower-fat version, consider using leaner meats, lighter soup, and less cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Potato Casserole

1. What are the 5 components of a casserole?

A casserole typically consists of five essential components that make it a balanced and hearty dish:

• Protein: This can be meat, poultry, seafood, or even plant-based proteins like beans or lentils. In the case of Hamburger Potato Casserole, the protein comes from ground beef.

• Carbs: Starchy ingredients like potatoes, pasta, rice, or bread are often used as the base. In this recipe, russet potatoes provide the starchy foundation.

• Vegetables: Vegetables add flavor, nutrition, and texture to the casserole. While Hamburger Potato Casserole may not feature many veggies, you can add options like onions, bell peppers, or spinach for variety.

• Binder: A creamy or saucy ingredient that holds everything together, such as cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, or even a béchamel sauce.

• Topping: A crispy or cheesy topping that adds texture and flavor to the casserole. In this recipe, shredded cheese forms the golden, melty topping.

2. What was the Hamburger Helper that has potatoes in it?

Hamburger Helper is a popular boxed meal brand that offers quick and easy dinner options. One of their products, Hamburger Helper Potatoes Stroganoff, features a potato-based dish with seasoned beef and a creamy sauce, offering a similar flavor profile to the traditional hamburger helper with added potato layers. This version combines ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich sauce, making it a hearty meal just like a casserole. Although this particular product is discontinued in some areas, similar recipes with potatoes can still be found online for a homemade version.

3. What potatoes are best in casserole?

For casseroles, the best potatoes are those that have a high starch content and can hold their shape when baked. Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down into soft, creamy textures while holding their shape, making them perfect for layering in casseroles. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option. They have a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor, adding richness to the dish. Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or New Potatoes, as they don’t absorb sauces as well and can become too firm when baked.

4. Can I use frozen potatoes in Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen potatoes in your casserole if you’re short on time. Frozen hashbrowns, diced potatoes, or even frozen potato slices are convenient alternatives. If you’re using frozen potatoes, you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through. It’s also a good idea to thaw them before assembling the casserole to help avoid excess moisture in the dish.

5. Can I make Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, Hamburger Potato Casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to freeze it, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook according to the recipe instructions. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or preparing ahead of time for a busy week.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 5 small Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 lbs lean ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Cheddar, or a blend of your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick).
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.
5. Layer the casserole: Start by placing half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, then half of the soup mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers in the same order, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
7. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Slice and serve.

Notes:

• Uniform potato slices are key to even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer to make quick work of it.
• If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, assemble it the day before and refrigerate it overnight. You can bake it the next day as per the instructions.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetarian crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Make it spicier: Add jalapeños or chili powder to the beef mixture for some extra heat.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Method: Baking

Cuisine: American