why make this recipe
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is easy, filling, and good for family meals. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. It bakes in one dish, so cleanup is quick. If you like hearty potato dinners like a baked potato side, try this version that combines meat and cheese for a warm comfort meal. You can also pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
introduction
This dish layers sliced potatoes, cooked ground beef, cheese, and a creamy soup mix. It cooks in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly. The recipe is simple and forgiving, so you can change small parts to match your taste. For ideas on potato sides and other ways to serve potatoes, see this baked potatoes with crispy broccoli and bacon recipe.
how to make Hamburger Potato Casserole
Follow the steps below to build and bake the casserole. Keep layers even so it cooks through. You can pre-slice the potatoes thin for faster cooking. If you like, add a light sprinkle of herbs between layers for more flavor. For a different twist using potatoes in bread or flat dishes, check this focaccia with zucchini and potatoes idea.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture, and sprinkle half of the cheese.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, cheese, and soup mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
how to serve Hamburger Potato Casserole
Cut into squares and serve warm. It goes well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or pickles to cut the richness. Serve with a spoon for the creamy parts and a fork for the potato slices.
how to store Hamburger Potato Casserole
Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or warm single servings in the microwave. To freeze, cool fully, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Slice potatoes thin (about 1/8–1/4 inch) so they cook through.
- Par-cook potato slices in boiling water for 5 minutes if you want faster baking.
- Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Stir salt and pepper into the soup mix and taste before layering.
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor (cheddar + mozzarella).
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
variation (if any)
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor.
- Add a layer of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
- Use ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
- For a crispy top, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs before sprinkling and broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely).
FAQs
Q: Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold?
A: Yes. Yukon golds are creamier, but russets work. Slice them thin and check for doneness.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: No. You can leave the skin on for texture and nutrients. Wash them well before slicing.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Q: Is it okay to skip the breadcrumbs?
A: Yes. Breadcrumbs add crunch but are optional. You can also top with extra cheese instead.
Q: Can I reduce the milk or soup to make it less creamy?
A: You can use a little less milk, but the soup helps bind the layers. Reduce slowly and check texture.
Conclusion
For the original full recipe and more tips, see this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe.
Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture, and sprinkle half of the cheese.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, cheese, and soup mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving.