There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty casserole. When life gets busy, we all need meals that are easy to prepare yet filling enough to satisfy the whole family. Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic dish that layers tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a go-to comfort meal for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is simple to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers a deliciously rich and creamy flavor. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover potatoes and get a satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with loved ones, this casserole checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will need:
1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
1 small onion, diced – Adds great flavor to the beef.
3-4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced – Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – You can also use cream of cheddar or cream of chicken.
½ cup milk – Helps create a creamy sauce.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a cheesy, gooey topping.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor of the dish.
½ teaspoon onion powder – Pairs well with the beef.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings for balance.
½ teaspoon paprika (optional) – Adds a mild smokiness.
½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and no longer pink. Add the diced onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using). This will create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and beef beautifully.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Start layering the ingredients in the prepared baking dish:
First layer: Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the dish.
Second layer: Add half of the cooked beef mixture.
Third layer: Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and absorb the flavors.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
7. Let It Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to scoop out portions.
