How to Make a Delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole – A Hearty, Family-Favorite Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table, few dishes can match the nostalgic flavor and heartiness of a Hamburger and Potato Casserole. This classic, oven-baked dish layers tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into one cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for a potluck, this easy hamburger potato casserole delivers on all fronts—flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction.

Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to crafting the ultimate hamburger and potato casserole, using common ingredients and simple techniques to bring maximum comfort to your kitchen.

🧄 Ingredients for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this wholesome, cheesy casserole:

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold or russet work best)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)

Creamy Sauce Mixture

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
(Substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

🧂 Optional Additions:

1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor

1/2 teaspoon paprika for a smoky twist

Diced green chiles or bell pepper for some heat or crunch

A handful of frozen peas or corn for added veggies

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess grease to avoid sogginess in your casserole.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel (optional) and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/8 to 1/4-inch rounds.
The thinner the slices, the faster and more evenly they cook.

🥔 Pro Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for quick, uniform slices.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:

First Layer: A third of the sliced potatoes
Second Layer: Half of the cooked beef and onion mixture
Third Layer: Spoon a third of the soup mixture on top
Repeat Layers: Continue layering potatoes, beef, and sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining soup mixture
Top with shredded cheddar cheese

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

🧀 Variations You’ll Love

Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and top with pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Add crispy bacon bits, green onions, and extra cheddar for a baked potato twist.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for sliced zucchini or cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.

🥘 Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and label with date.
Reheat: Microwave single servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout (about 20 minutes if thawed).

🍽️ What to Serve with Hamburger and Potato Casserole

This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding 10–15 extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.

Q2: Can I use raw ground beef instead of pre-cooking it?

It’s not recommended. Pre-cooking ensures the meat is safe to eat and reduces excess grease in the casserole.

Q3: What’s the best potato for this recipe?

Yukon gold for creaminess or russet potatoes for a soft, fluffy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they don’t break down as nicely.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheese, and plant-based cream of mushroom soup. Also, choose a non-dairy milk alternative.

Q5: How do I prevent soggy casserole?

Always drain the beef after cooking
Use starchy potatoes, not overly moist ones
Avoid overloading with too much liquid

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is more than just a comfort food staple—it’s a budget-friendly, family-approved meal that checks every box: easy to prepare, made with pantry ingredients, and packed with classic flavors.

Perfect for any season and endlessly adaptable, this hearty casserole will quickly become part of your weekly rotation. Whether you’re serving a family of four or meal-prepping for the week, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like home.