This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory hamburger meat, creamy potatoes, and a cheesy topping. It’s an effortless recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal for a special occasion, this casserole is sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat, and then drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir in the browned ground beef mixture.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour half of the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes. Add the second layer of potatoes, and top with the remaining beef mixture.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are tender.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
Ground Turkey or Chicken: I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, I substitute the ground beef with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black beans.
Different Cheese: I like to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sharp gouda, for a unique twist.
Spicy Kick: If I want a bit of heat, I add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the beef mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Storing Leftovers: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I simply cover the casserole with foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but I recommend covering them to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to add the cheese topping just before the final 15-20 minutes of baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes.
What can I serve with this casserole?
I often serve this casserole with a simple side salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. It’s a hearty dish, so a lighter side pairs well.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some spice, I suggest stirring in a bit of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even adding diced jalapeños into the beef mixture before layering. A spicy cheese like pepper jack is also a great addition.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a hearty dish to serve to a crowd, this casserole is a guaranteed hit!
Recipe:
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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, combining savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a simple and satisfying one-dish meal, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this casserole is a delicious choice that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat and drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion softens.
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In a separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom, season with salt and pepper.
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Pour half of the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes. Add another layer of potatoes and top with the remaining beef mixture.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
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Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and potatoes are tender.
Notes
You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Try swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
