Warm, filling, and irresistibly cheesy, this Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food. Featuring seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce layered with cheddar cheese, this oven-baked classic is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a satisfying meal on a chilly night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole combines the familiar flavors of a home-cooked hamburger meal with the hearty richness of a baked potato dish. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and feeds a crowd with ease. The creamy sauce and melted cheese bring everything together into a cohesive, comforting bake that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ pounds ground beef
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4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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¾ cup milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. -
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain any excess fat, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside. -
Prepare the Potatoes:
While the beef is cooking, peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes. Use a mandolin for even slicing if available. -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. -
Layer the Casserole:
In the prepared baking dish, create a base layer of sliced potatoes.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the creamy mushroom sauce over the beef, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. -
Repeat Layers:
Add another layer of potatoes, the remaining beef mixture, the rest of the sauce, and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. -
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften. -
Finish Baking Uncovered:
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fully tender. -
Rest and Garnish:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6–8 servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 400–500 per serving
Variations
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Swap the Soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
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Add Veggies: Layer in sliced mushrooms, peas, or green beans for added texture and nutrition.
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Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp white cheddar for different flavor profiles.
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Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Make it Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the casserole has dried slightly.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and makes the dish slightly lighter.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic feel.
What kind of potatoes are best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature and ability to absorb flavors.
Print
Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese make this a cozy and satisfying family dinner. Perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or meal prepping ahead of time!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. -
Cook Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes).
Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Prep Potatoes:
While beef is cooking, peel and thinly slice potatoes evenly (a mandolin works great for this!). -
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. -
Layer the Casserole:
In prepared dish, layer half the sliced potatoes, half the beef mixture, half the creamy sauce, and 1 cup shredded cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. -
Bake Covered:
Cover dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. -
Bake Uncovered:
Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes, until top is golden and potatoes are fork-tender. -
Serve & Garnish:
Let casserole sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Use a mandolin for evenly sliced potatoes for perfect texture.
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Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a cheesy twist.
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Assemble a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh when rea
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