Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple layering and minimal prep make this casserole a breeze to put together.
- Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser with classic flavors that everyone will love.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable and common ingredients.
- Make-ahead option – You can prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
- Customizable – Easily add vegetables or switch up the cheese for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or other seasonings
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Grease a casserole dish and layer the sliced potatoes evenly.
- Spread the cooked beef and onions over the potato layer.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk, then pour this mixture over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies – Mix in bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Different cheeses – Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Change the soup – Use cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use another protein – Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?
Slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through properly.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well in place of russets.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, sauté mushrooms with a little butter and mix with heavy cream for a homemade alternative.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread make great pairings.
Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
If using pre-cooked or leftover potatoes, reduce baking time by 15-20 minutes.
Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner option and works just as well.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Why is my casserole watery?
This can happen if the potatoes release too much moisture. Try draining excess liquid from the beef or using less milk in the soup mixture.
Conclusion
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delicious, fuss-free meal that combines classic comfort food flavors into one simple dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal to prep ahead, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction every time. Try it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy!
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly meal is easy to make and can be customized with different proteins, cheeses, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or other seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef – In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Dish – Grease a casserole dish and layer the sliced potatoes evenly.
- Layer Ingredients – Spread the cooked beef and onions over the potatoes.
- Mix Sauce – In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk, then pour over the casserole.
- Add Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Covered – Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Finish Baking – Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
