Hearty hamburger potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together in one warm and satisfying dish that feels like a hug on a plate. I first made this casserole on a cold evening when I needed something simple yet filling, and it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce makes it both budget-friendly and deliciously nostalgic. I once swapped in sweet potatoes for a twist, and it added a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the savory beef. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this hearty casserole delivers every time—comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger potato casserole is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen and requires minimal prep. The layers of seasoned beef, soft potatoes, and gooey cheese create a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite spices, cheeses, or vegetables.
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Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole – Comforting, Creamy, and Family-Friendly
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, family-style meal made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese — a classic one-dish dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine and remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the soup mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, beef, and cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor or cream of cheddar for extra cheesiness.
- For a crispy topping, add crushed buttery crackers or French fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – The star of the casserole, providing hearty flavor and protein.
Potatoes – Thinly sliced; they soak up the flavors and become tender as they bake.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic – Enhances the savory flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup – Creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
Milk – Helps thin the sauce for a smooth consistency.
Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, golden topping.
Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve a creamy texture.
Salt, black pepper, and paprika – Classic seasonings that bring out the best in each layer.
Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until combined.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – Add cooked bacon pieces between layers for smoky flavor.
Loaded Potato Version – Top with sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese for a loaded potato twist.
Vegetable Boost – Add sliced mushrooms, peas, or mixed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Cream of Chicken Swap – Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken soup for a lighter flavor.
Cheesy Overload – Use a mix of mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
Low-Carb Option – Replace potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower.
FAQs
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, thaw them first and reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes hold their texture well and cook evenly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! It’s a lighter alternative with great results.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free condensed soup or make your own creamy sauce from scratch.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, try layering in peas, corn, or bell peppers for more flavor and color.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may be sliced too thick—try cutting them thinner next time or extend the baking time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices for a gooey, flavorful top.
What can I serve it with?
A green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty bread make perfect sides.
Conclusion
Hearty hamburger potato casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly filling. Each bite delivers tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese that’s pure comfort on a plate. It’s an easy, affordable dish that’s ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy weeknights. Whether served straight from the oven or reheated the next day, it’s just as satisfying. Simple, classic, and delicious, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again.