Looking for a comforting and delicious one-dish meal? This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce into a hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add ground beef, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture over the beef. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble the layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend of your choice.
2. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, or green beans make excellent additions to this casserole for extra nutrition.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free condensed soup or make your own cream sauce using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a unique twist. The cooking time might vary slightly, so ensure they’re tender before serving.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth to create a creamy sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let it set. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in vegetables such as corn or green beans between the layers.
- If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used as substitutes.
- To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes uniformly, about 1/4-inch thick.