Hamburger potato casserole is a layered dish combining ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a rich sauce, baked to perfection. It’s a great option for make-ahead meals or feeding a large group. The creamy, savory flavors make it a favorite for all ages, and its straightforward ingredients mean it’s as budget-friendly as it is tasty.
This hamburger potato casserole is a recipe that my grandmother used to keep me and my finicky cousins well-fed! It is very kid-friendly, and adults like it too!
Why You’ll Love Hamburger Potato Casserole
This dish is everything you want in a comforting, no-fuss dinner. It’s easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s super versatile—perfect for a casual weeknight meal, a potluck, or even meal prepping for the week. The layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce are packed with flavor and always a hit with both kids and adults. Best of all, it’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze. You can even tweak the recipe to suit your family’s tastes, making it a go-to favorite in no time!
Effortless Meal Prep: With simple steps and common ingredients, this casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, even on busy days.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week—it fits any occasion!
Rich and Flavorful: Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce create a delicious medley of textures and flavors.
One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything bakes together in one dish.
Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this easy casserole recipe:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best for their firm texture when baked.
- Creamy Sauce: Cream of mushroom soup is a classic choice, but you can swap it for cream of chicken or a homemade béchamel.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for depth of flavor.
- Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an added cheesy layer.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole
Making hamburger potato casserole is simple, straightforward, and totally worth it! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Slice the Potatoes: Thinly slice your potatoes evenly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
2. Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Ingredients: Start with a layer of potatoes in the bottom of your baking dish. Add a layer of browned ground beef on top.
- Add the Sauce: Spread your creamy sauce (like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup) over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with sauce on top.
- Optional Cheese: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly finish.
3. Bake to Perfection
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover for Final Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown. If you’ve added cheese, it should be melted and golden.
- Check Doneness: Use a fork to test if the potatoes are tender. If not, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates, and pair it with your favorite side dishes like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
With its creamy layers and hearty flavors, this hamburger potato casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice the Potatoes Evenly: This helps them cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, but a steady hand works too!
- Season as You Go: A little salt, pepper, or your favorite spices on each layer goes a long way to bring out the flavors.
- Pick the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are perfect—they stay firm yet tender after baking.
- Cover it First: Covering with foil traps the steam and ensures the potatoes cook all the way through without drying out.
What to Serve With Hamburger Potato Casserole
This hearty, comforting dish pairs well with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole. Try mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a simple side.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots. Their natural sweetness complements the savory casserole.
- Buttered Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce from the dish.
- Pickles or Relish: A side of tangy pickles or sweet relish can cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast.
- Applesauce: For a touch of sweetness, serve a small dish of applesauce on the side—it’s a surprisingly tasty pairing.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, slightly tangy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to the meal.
For drinks, consider serving iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine to round out the meal. This casserole is versatile enough to complement nearly any side dish!
How to Store Hamburger Potato Casserole
To store Hamburger Potato Casserole properly, follow these steps:
- Cool the casserole: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can affect the texture and freshness of the dish.
- Use an airtight container: Transfer the casserole into an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Refrigeration: Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the refrigerator is at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure food safety.
- Freezing (optional): If you plan to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the casserole. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQs About Hamburger Potato Casserole
1. What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered dish typically made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, often baked with cheese on top. It’s a comforting, hearty meal ideal for family dinners.
2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version.
3. Do I need to cook the potatoes before layering?
Not always. Thinly sliced raw potatoes can cook fully during baking, but pre-cooking or parboiling them can shorten the baking time.
4. What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is a popular choice for its rich flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.
5. How do I store leftover Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
6. Can I freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts on Hamburger Potato Casserole
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the classic version with ground beef and cheese or get creative with substitutions like lean meats or extra veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Its ease of preparation, combined with the ability to make it ahead or freeze it for later, makes it a great option for busy weeknights. With its delicious layers of flavor and texture, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Feel free to experiment with ingredients and make it your own. Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of this classic dish!
