Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare? This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect solution! With layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is a complete meal all in one. It’s a simple, satisfying casserole that can be made ahead of time, and it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Ready in under an hour, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

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What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered dish that features seasoned ground beef (hamburger), thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, often topped with cheese. The ingredients are baked together until bubbly and golden, creating a warm, hearty meal. The casserole is customizable and can be adapted to your family’s preferences by adding vegetables or changing up the cheese. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s both filling and affordable.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These basic ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a hearty family meal.

Substitutions and Variations

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is highly customizable. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:

• Ground Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option. A plant-based meat alternative can also be used for a vegetarian version.
• Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for a classic, hearty base, or substitute with Yukon gold or red potatoes for a different texture. You could even use sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-savory twist.
• Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom soup is commonly used, but you can substitute it with cream of chicken, celery, or even cheddar cheese soup for a richer flavor.
• Cheese: While cheddar works great, you can switch it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds extra savory depth.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in some veggies like green beans, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture. Frozen mixed vegetables also work well.
• Toppings: For a crispy topping, sprinkle some crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions over the cheese layer before baking.

These variations allow you to make this casserole your own, depending on your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Season the browned beef mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir well to combine and set the beef mixture aside.

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

While the beef is cooking, wash and peel the potatoes. Thinly slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline. Thinner slices will cook more evenly and quickly.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creamy mixture will create the sauce for the casserole.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, spread a layer of sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Add a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour about one-third of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. For an extra cheesy casserole, you can also add a layer of cheese between the layers of potatoes and beef.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and get bubbly.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Hamburger Potato Casserole turns out perfectly:

• Slicing Potatoes Too Thick: Thicker potato slices will take longer to cook, so make sure to slice them thinly (about ¼ inch) for even cooking.
• Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Overcooking the Cheese: If you leave the cheese uncovered for too long, it can burn. Cover the casserole with foil for most of the baking time, removing it only for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty meal that’s best served hot, fresh out of the oven. Here are a few ways to serve and present it:

How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Pair it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Portion-Controlled: For a more formal presentation, slice the casserole into individual portions and serve on plates, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley or green onions.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even cilantro can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or hot sauce, allowing everyone to customize their serving.
• Serve with Sides: To add some freshness, serve the casserole alongside a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of tomato soup.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time. Simply cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: To freeze the casserole, assemble it but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you're ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?
A: Yes, frozen hash browns can be a convenient swap for sliced potatoes. Just layer them as you would the potatoes and proceed with the recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being too runny?
A: Be sure to drain the ground beef well after browning, and don’t add too much liquid. The milk and soup should create a creamy consistency without being watery.

Conclusion

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food dish for any night of the week. With layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to please. With its versatility and ease, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal!

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