Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Hearty Comfort Made Simple
This **Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole** takes classic comfort—ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender potatoes—then layers them into one soul-satisfying casserole. It’s savory, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Get ready for a one-dish dinner that’s sure to become a household staple! 🥔🧀
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy soup, and melty cheddar create a balanced and satisfying dish.
- Effortless layering and bake—assemble, bake covered, remove foil, top with cheese, and bake again. Simple and effective.
- Highly customizable: mix in veggies, swap proteins or soups, and adopt comfort-food flair from various regional casseroles. ([turn0news12])
Chef-Inspired Tips & Sources
Allrecipes reports this classic casserole clocks in at about 403 calories per serving, with 27 g fat, 17 g carbs, and 22 g protein—making it both indulgent and satisfying. ([turn0search0])
EatingOnADime highlights how you can easily double the recipe, swap proteins (like ground turkey or sausage), or substitute soups for flexibility in flavor. ([turn0search3])
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is softened (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the beef–onion mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer, then sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving to let layers set.
Health & Safety Notes
- Ensure ground beef is cooked through and drain fat to control grease and calories.
- Uniformly thin potato slices help ensure even cooking and avoid raw centers. ([turn0search3])
- Use low-sodium soup or add extra milk to dilute overly salty mixes.
- Add vegetables like frozen peas or green beans to boost nutrition and color. ([turn0search3])
Nutrition Estimate (per serving, 6 servings)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~403 kcal | 27 g | 17 g | 22 g |
Based on Allrecipes nutritional data. ([turn0search0])
10 FAQs to Guide You
- Can I prep ahead? Yes—assemble fully and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Add about 10 extra minutes to cook time.
- Soup swap? Try cream of chicken or celery for flavor variation. ([turn0search3])
- Vegetarian version? Use plant-based meat crumbles or extra mushrooms in place of beef, with creamy vegetable soup.
- Make glossier top? Broil for the final 2 minutes to crisp and brown cheese perfectly.
- Substitute potatoes? Scalloped potatoes or frozen hash browns can reduce prep time. ([turn0search3])
- Low-carb swap? Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices or riced cauliflower.
- Ever meal prep? Portion into single servings and freeze unbaked for quick weeknight meals.
- Add crunch? Top with breadcrumbs or crushed chips mixed with melted butter before final bake.
- Leftovers reinvented? Chop and serve on buns for sloppy-joe inspired sandwiches.
- Pairing suggestions? Brighten the dish with a green salad or steamed broccoli for contrast and nutrients.
Creative Variations
- Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack for cheddar for a melty twist.
- Stir 1 tbsp Worcestershire or smoky paprika into beef for extra depth. ([turn0search3])
- Layer in thin slices of bacon between layers for smoky richness.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs—chives, parsley, or green onions—before serving to brighten flavors.
Related Recipes & Inspiration
Final Thoughts
This **Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole** brings simplicity, flavor, and comfort to your table—all in one hearty dish. Layered potatoes, creamy sauce, and savory beef combine in a timeless casserole that’s both crowd-pleasing and satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, it’s a classic comfort food with endless possibilities. Dig in and let the dinner magic happen! 🍽️❤️
