There’s something special about old-fashioned casseroles they bring back memories of family dinners, cozy Sunday nights, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals.
This Classic Hamburger Potato Casserole is the kind of dish grandmothers and moms have been making for generations. Layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in this hearty, budget-friendly recipe.
If you grew up in the Midwest or the South, chances are you’ve had a version of this casserole at a church potluck or family gathering. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
The History of Hamburger Potato Casserole
Casseroles became popular in the early 20th century, but they really took off in the 1950s when convenience foods like canned soups became household staples.
Home cooks needed affordable, easy-to-make meals that could feed large families. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce was a natural winner nutritious, filling, and delicious.
Over the years, this classic comfort food has been adapted in many ways some people add vegetables, while others spice it up with different cheeses. But the heart of the recipe remains the same simple ingredients, big flavor.
If you love cheesy comfort food, you might also enjoy this Cowboy Casserole , a delightful combination of ground beef, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples.
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients like potatoes and ground beef.
✔️ Customizable – Make it cheesier, creamier, or even spicy!
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make this comforting dish:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – for a deeper umami taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans – to add veggies
Love creamy, cheesy dinners? Try this Smoked Sausage Pasta , a rich and satisfying one-pot meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Onions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
- Drain any excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
For safety, ensure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, as recommended by the USDA. Food & Safe
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the creamy soup mixture evenly on top.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Looking for more comfort food recipes? Try the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole , a creamy, cheesy family favorite!
Expert Tips for the Best Casserole
✅ Use a Mandoline Slicer – Evenly sliced potatoes cook more evenly.
✅ Choose the Right Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor.
✅ Don’t Skip Resting Time – This helps the layers set for easier serving.
✅ Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking for extra texture.
What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add some sides, here are some great pairings:
Simple Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or green beans make a great side.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
FAQs – Common Questions Answered
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! While russet potatoes work best, Yukon Gold potatoes add a creamier texture.
Can I make this casserole without canned soup?
Absolutely! Replace the soup with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.
How do I prevent my casserole from being dry?
Make sure the potatoes are fully covered in sauce, and don’t overbake. If it still seems dry, add a bit more milk before baking.
Hamburger Potato Casserole
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 4 cups potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup for a creamy texture
- 1 cup milk to thin the sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder for flavor
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, then add half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Pour the soup mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Classic Hamburger Potato Casserole is a true comfort food favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Give it a try and let us know how you like it! Did you add any special ingredients? Comment below!