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Hamburger and Potato Casserole

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a close up shot of Hamburger Potato Casserole in a baking dish with a piece taken out
This hamburger potato casserole might just be the best comfort food meal youโ€™ll taste, with plenty of layers of cheesy and creamy goodness.
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Table of Contents
  1. Potato Hamburger Casserole Ingredients
  2. Hamburger Casserole With Potatoes Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make Ground Beef And Potato Casserole
  4. When to Serve Casserole Recipes
  5. How To Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole
  6. How To Store Hamburger Casserole With Potatoes
  7. Why This Is One Of The Best Hamburger And Potato Recipes
  8. Hamburger And Potato Casserole FAQs
  9. More Recipes You’ll Love
  10. JUMP TO RECIPE
  11. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This easy hamburger potato casserole is known as much for its simplicity as it is for its deliciousness. Layers of perfectly cooked potatoes are combined with ground beef and onions and smothered in a creamy sauce and melted cheese.

a close up shot of Hamburger Potato Casserole in a baking dish with a piece taken out

Potato Hamburger Casserole Ingredients

Hamburger Potato Casserole raw ingredients that are labeled
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Hamburger potato casserole is both comforting and hearty, with a rich blend of flavors that are both savory and slightly creamy.

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make this casserole recipe:

  • 2½ pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, washed (about 8-9 potatoes) 
  • 2 pounds of lean ground beef
  • 1 cup of finely diced sweet yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup (I used the Great Value brand)
  • 1 cup of half and half
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
  • 3 cups of freshly shredded Colby jack cheese (divided into ¾ cup, ¾ cup, and 1½ cups)

Hamburger Casserole With Potatoes Substitutions And Additions

SOUP: You can substitute cheddar cheese soup for cream of mushroom soup in this ground beef casserole.

CHEESE: You can substitute mild, sharp, or Monterey jack shredded cheese for the Colby jack cheese.

When possible, use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains a preservative that keeps it from sticking together but prevents it from melting well.

GROUND BEEF: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef in this casserole.

It will reduce the overall fat content while still providing a protein-rich and flavorful base for your dish.

SEASONING: You could also add crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or garlic powder for more flavor.

PRO TIP:

You can assemble this ahead of time and leave it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

How To Make Ground Beef And Potato Casserole

Let’s walk through the process of assembling this easy recipe for a cheesy casserole with our step-by-step instructions.

STEP ONE: Slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch thick slices.

Place the sliced potatoes into water to keep them from oxidizing (turning brown) while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

I usually opt to keep the peels on the potatoes, which adds a bit of texture.

However, feel free to peel your potatoes before slicing if you prefer a smoother texture or a more traditional look for your casserole.

Both ways are delicious!

STEP TWO: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.

STEP THREE: Add the two pounds of lean ground beef, diced onions, and garlic to a 4 to 5-quart saucepan (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.

Stir the ground beef mixture often as it browns, making sure to break up the ground beef as you cook. Drain any excess oil from the pan.

beef, onion, and garlic added to a saucepan

STEP FOUR: Add the soup, half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine completely.

STEP FIVE: Drain the water from the sliced potatoes. Layer a third of the potatoes into the bottom of the dish.

STEP SIX: Sprinkle a third of the meat mixture over the potatoes.

ground beef mixture sprinkled over the potatoes

STEP SEVEN: Sprinkle three-quarters of a cup of the shredded cheese over the ground beef layer.

STEP EIGHT: Drizzle a third of the soup mixture over the cheese layer. 

STEP NINE: Repeat the process for the second layer of potatoes, ground beef, three-quarters of a cup of cheese, and soup mixture.

sprinkled the remaining soup mixture over the ground beef layer

STEP TEN: Repeat the potato and ground beef layers, and then drizzle the remaining soup mixture. 

STEP ELEVEN: Finally, sprinkle the 1½ cups of shredded cheese.

Cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving, as it will be incredibly hot.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.

cheese sprinkled and baked

When to Serve Casserole Recipes

  1. Family Dinners: Its homey and comforting nature makes it perfect for regular family meals.
  2. Potlucks: This cheesy ground beef casserole is great for potlucks, picnics, or community gatherings because it’s a crowd-pleaser and travels well.
  3. Winter Meals: Its warmth and heartiness make it particularly suited for colder months, providing a cozy and comforting meal during fall and winter.
  4. Meal Prep: If you’re into meal prepping, this casserole can be made in advance, stored, and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.

How To Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole

This tasty hamburger potato casserole recipe is just the thing you need for a delicious meal on busy weeknights when time is short.

WITH A SALAD: Serve it with a homemade Caesar salad or side salad.

WITH VEGETABLES: Sauteed vegetables, green beans, or roasted vegetables are also great on the side.

WITH BREAD: If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, consider some golden garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious juices.

WITH CONDIMENTS: Offer condiments like a dollop of sour cream, ketchup, or hot sauce on the side for those who might enjoy a bit of extra flavor or creaminess. I especially love our Alabama white sauce or our homemade ranch dressing.

Casseroles make such easy dinner recipes that we think you will love our beef and noodle casserole as well as our crack chicken casserole.

How To Store Hamburger Casserole With Potatoes

You might be wondering how to store any leftovers or prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this comforting meal.

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to save time on a busy day, you can prepare this casserole in advance.

Follow the recipe until the point just before baking. Instead of placing it in the oven, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it.

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven, remove the plastic wrap or foil, and pop the casserole in.

Keep in mind that you may need to extend the baking time slightly if the casserole is still cold from the fridge.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you plan to eat the leftovers soon, you can cover the casserole dish with a lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator.

For longer storage or portion control, transfer the casserole into airtight containers. It will last up to four days this way.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, first portion the casserole into serving sizes. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in freezer bags or airtight containers.

Label the containers with the date. A potato casserole with ground beef in it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

REHEATING: When it’s time to reheat your frozen or refrigerated casserole, there are a few methods you can choose from:

  • OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through. This method will restore the crispness of the top layer.
  • MICROWAVE: For a quick individual serving, microwave on high for two to three minutes, checking and stirring every minute until heated through.

Why This Is One Of The Best Hamburger And Potato Recipes

COMFORT IN EVERY BITE: This casserole combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: With its familiar and kid-approved flavors, this casserole is a hit with the whole family.

MAKE-AHEAD: Whether you’re planning for a busy week or prepping for a special occasion, it allows you to have a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort when you need it most.

overhead shot of a piece of Hamburger Potato Casserole on a plate

This hamburger potato casserole is not your average casserole. It’s pure comfort food that will make you feel satisfied.

The best part is it’s easy to make! Simply layer potatoes, ground beef, cheese, and a delicious sauce in a baking dish and bake until golden brown. 

Hamburger And Potato Casserole FAQs

What are the best kind of potatoes to use in this recipe?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are traditionally used to make this hamburger with potato casserole. This is because these types of potatoes hold their shape well when baked.

Can I add other ingredients to this hamburger casserole?

This dish is very flexible. Add veggies or other spices to the beef and potato mixture to customize it to your preference.

Can I make this hamburger casserole with potatoes ahead of time?

This hamburger and potato casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge until it’s time to bake it.

Can I freeze casseroles?

This easy potato casserole can be made ahead of time, and the entire dish can be frozen to serve later.

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a close up shot of Hamburger Potato Casserole in a baking dish with a piece taken out

Ground Beef Potato Casserole

5 from 3 votes
This hamburger potato casserole might just be the best comfort food meal you’ll taste, with plenty of layers of cheesy and creamy goodness.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, washed (about 8 to 9 potatoes)
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (I used Great Value brand)
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 3 cups freshly shredded Colby jack cheese (divided into ¾ cup, ¾ cup, and 1½ cups)

Instructions
 

  • Slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch thick slices. Place the sliced potatoes into water to keep them from oxidizing (turning brown) while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.
  • Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef, diced onions, and garlic to a 4 to 5-quart saucepan (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Stir the ground beef mixture often as it browns, making sure to break up the ground beef as you cook. Drain any excess oil from the pan.
  • Add the soup, half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk to combine completely.
  • Drain the water from the sliced potatoes. Layer ⅓ of the potatoes into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle ⅓ of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
  • Sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded cheese over the ground beef layer.
  • Drizzle ⅓ of the soup mixture over the cheese layer.
  • Repeat the process for the second layer of potatoes, ground beef, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and soup mixture.
  • Repeat the potato and ground beef layers, and then drizzle the remaining soup mixture.
  • Finally, sprinkle the 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving (it will be incredibly hot).

Video

Notes

  • You can assemble this ahead of time and leave it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
  • I chose to keep the peels on my potatoes, but you can peel the potatoes before slicing.
  • Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.

Nutrition

Calories: 533kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 1103mg | Potassium: 1179mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 604IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 411mg | Iron: 5mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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  1. Amy Kelley says

    5 stars
    This is an easy to make delicious recipe that the whole family is sure to love. And you will have leftovers which makes it even better!

  2. Joanne Morgan says

    5 stars
    This is one of the best recipe ever! I did change it up a little by adding a can of mushroom and chicken soup, 2 large thin sliced carrots, fresh grated cheeses and Parmesan & mozzarella on the top with and extra can of mushroom soup. I have a 13×9 deep dish so backed almost 2hr total. Parchment under foil a must to keep cheese from sticking.

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