Best Hamburger Potato Casserole

Introduction

Best Hamburger Potato Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and pure comfort—layers of tender potatoes and savory ground beef baked in a creamy sauce until bubbly and golden. This classic family-friendly casserole uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal prep. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it’s the kind of dish that always disappears fast.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Comforting, filling, and budget-friendly
• Simple ingredients you already have
• Easy to make ahead and reheat
• One-dish meal with minimal cleanup
• Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

• 1½ lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease.

3. Season

Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well and remove from heat.

4. Mix the sauce

In a bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creates a creamy, pourable sauce that cooks the potatoes evenly.

5. Layer the casserole

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.

6. Repeat layers

Add remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese.

7. Cover and bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to become tender.

8. Uncover and finish

Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

9. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to help it set. Garnish if desired and serve warm.

Mistakes to avoid

• Thick potato slices — uneven cooking
• Skipping foil — undercooked potatoes
• Not draining beef — greasy casserole
• Too little sauce — dry texture
• Cutting too soon — loose layers

Variations of Best Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Cheesy Ranch — add ranch seasoning to the beef
• Loaded — add bacon bits and green onions
• Veggie Boost — add peas or corn
• Creamy Cheddar — swap soup for cheddar cheese soup
• Spicy — add diced jalapeños or chili flakes

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
• Freeze-baked casserole up to 2 months
• Reheat covered at 325°F until warmed
• Assemble ahead and bake when ready

Frequently Asked Questions

What potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes slice well and bake evenly.

Can I use ground turkey?
Yes—season generously to keep it flavorful.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.

Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may be sliced too thick or need a bit more baking time.

Conclusion

Best Hamburger Potato Casserole is a timeless comfort classic—savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese baked together into one satisfying dish. Easy, hearty, and dependable, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.