Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Family Comfort Food

If you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and absolutely delicious with minimal effort, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is about to become your go-to dinner. It’s everything we love about comfort food — layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese — all baked together until golden and bubbling.

This humble casserole takes simple ingredients and turns them into a rich, comforting dish that feeds the whole family. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or those cold evenings when you just want a warm, satisfying meal straight from the oven.

🥘 What Is Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Hamburger potato casserole is an old-fashioned family favorite that’s been passed down through generations — a kind of “meat and potatoes” dinner baked to perfection. It typically combines seasoned ground beef (the “hamburger”), thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce made from milk or condensed soup, topped with cheese or breadcrumbs.

It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable — no wonder it’s a weeknight staple across America.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One dish meal: Protein, carbs, and creamy goodness all in one pan.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or feeding guests.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
• Comfort food at its best: Rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef – lean or regular, browned and drained
• 1 small onion, diced – adds flavor depth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – for savory aroma
• 5–6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – the creamy base
• ½ cup milk – thins the sauce for perfect consistency
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – divided, for that melty topping
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – for greasing the dish
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Step 2 – Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3 – Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This forms the luscious sauce that will bind the casserole together.

Step 4 – Layer the Casserole
Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture on top, followed by half of the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and the final cup of cheese.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6 – Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set beautifully and makes slicing easier.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

A hearty and creamy casserole made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese – the ultimate comfort food dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 5 medium potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for greasing
• fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Skillet
• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain fat, add onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish, top with half of the beef mixture, half the sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
6. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use a mandoline for even potato slices. Substitute cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can balance the richness with some light sides. Try pairing it with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Buttered dinner rolls or garlic toast
• A side of pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast

And if you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe — leftovers reheat wonderfully!

🌟 Variations to Try

This casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Customize it to your family’s taste with these easy swaps:

• Cheeseburger Twist: Add ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles to the beef mixture before baking for a fun twist.
• Bacon Lovers: Stir in crispy bacon bits or top with crumbled cooked bacon before serving.
• Vegetable Boost: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Creamy Upgrade: Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a milder flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mix.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Slice potatoes thinly and evenly. Uniform slices ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline if you have one.
2. Don’t skip pre-cooking the beef. Raw ground beef won’t cook evenly in the oven and may make the casserole greasy.
3. Let it rest before serving. The layers set as it cools, making it easier to serve clean slices.
4. Add extra cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle more cheddar or even mozzarella on top for extra gooeyness.
5. Meal prep tip: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

🏡 Why We Love Classic Casseroles

There’s something deeply nostalgic about casseroles — they’re simple, comforting, and feel like home. This easy hamburger potato casserole embodies that spirit: no-fuss ingredients, wholesome flavors, and a crowd-pleasing result that satisfies every time.

It’s also an ideal recipe for busy families or anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing taste.

Every bite brings the perfect balance of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese — comfort food that tastes like a warm hug.

❤️ Make It a Family Tradition

Many families have their own version of hamburger potato casserole — some passed down from grandparents, others discovered in old cookbooks. However you make it, this dish never fails to deliver.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a potluck, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your permanent rotation.