Hamburger potato casserole isn’t just a dinner—it’s a warm hug on a cold evening, the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something comforting and memorable. I still remember the first time I had a homemade hamburger potato casserole. I was a kid, the kitchen was filled with the scent of sizzling ground beef and bubbling cheese, and my mother pulled it from the oven with a smile that said, “this will fix everything.” She was right.
This hamburger potato casserole is layered with love: thinly sliced potatoes that soften into creamy perfection, rich seasoned beef cooked with onions and garlic, and a velvety mushroom sauce that wraps every bite in comfort. Melted cheddar finishes the dish with a golden crown that’s hard to resist. And the best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a table full of hungry kids, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something nostalgic and hearty, this hamburger potato casserole delivers every time. It’s easy, affordable, and baked in one dish—because comfort shouldn’t mean chaos in the kitchen. Every layer is a little reminder of why food matters: it brings people together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Super easy to put together with pantry staples
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Budget-friendly meal that makes a generous amount
- Perfect for meal prep or freezer-friendly dinners
- Comforting, creamy, cheesy, and filling
- Great for casual dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekends
Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 11 oz Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 can
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Tablespoons parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 lbs red potatoes sliced to about ¼ inch thickness
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until mostly browned. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are soft. Drain excess grease. Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced red potatoes evenly in the dish. Spoon half of the beef and mushroom mixture over the potatoes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup, and cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Russet potatoes
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Whole milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil or spray
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed potato chips
- Paprika sprinkle
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Utensils
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Vegetable peeler
- Cheese grater
Variations for Hamburger Potato Casserole
There are many fun ways to mix up this casserole and make it your own.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
- Add chopped bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra veggies
- Use cream of chicken or cheddar soup instead of mushroom
- Try pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor twist
- Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Top with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for crunch
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole
Making a hearty hamburger potato casserole is easier than you think—and the result is always warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life.
Step 1 – Cook the Beef Mixture
Start your hamburger potato casserole by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and the beef is fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease, then season with salt and pepper. Set the mixture aside—it’s the flavorful base of your hamburger potato casserole.
Step 2 – Prep the Potatoes
Next, peel and thinly slice your potatoes into even 1/8-inch rounds. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, spreading them out evenly to create the first layer of your hamburger potato casserole.
Step 3 – Build the Layers
Spoon half of the beef and onion mixture over the potato layer. In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth and creamy. Pour half of this mixture over the beef and potatoes, then top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers—potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese—to complete your hamburger potato casserole.
Step 4 – Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for about 60 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Let your hamburger potato casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this hamburger potato casserole is a comforting classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Tips and Tricks
- Slice potatoes thin and even to ensure they cook all the way through
- Don’t skip draining the beef—too much grease can make the casserole soggy
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of sour cream to the soup mixture
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole
This dish pairs well with a light side salad or steamed green beans. You can also serve it with buttered rolls or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A little hot sauce on the side adds a spicy kick if you like it bold.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate before baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or cover with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot.
FAQs
Can you cook potatoes and ground beef together?
Yes, you can absolutely cook potatoes and ground beef together, especially in one-pan meals or casseroles. However, in dishes like this hamburger potato casserole, it’s best to layer them and bake so the potatoes cook evenly while soaking up all the savory flavor from the beef and sauce. If you’re cooking them in a skillet, make sure the potatoes are cut thin and cooked long enough to become tender.
What is in cowboy casserole?
Cowboy casserole is a hearty, baked dish usually made with ground beef, canned corn, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and tater tots layered on top. It’s often seasoned with garlic, onions, and sometimes Rotel tomatoes or green chiles to add a Tex-Mex twist. The tater tots crisp up in the oven, making it a favorite comfort food across the U.S.
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before layering.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar works great, but feel free to try Colby jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
Not at all! You can use cream of chicken, cheddar soup, or even make a simple roux-based white sauce instead.
Conclusion
In the end, this hamburger potato casserole is a go-to meal that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning meals for the week, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular favorite. Don’t forget to garnish it with parsley or green onions for that final touch.
If you’re planning a full week of hearty, home-cooked meals, this Hamburger Potato Casserole fits right in. For a weekend breakfast that’s just as comforting, try our golden, crispy Sourdough French Toast—it’s sweet, simple, and perfect with maple syrup. Looking for another savory dinner idea? This tender, juicy Beef Chuck Roll is packed with flavor and makes an excellent main course. And if you need a holiday-worthy option, don’t miss our juicy, flavorful Smoked Turkey Breast that’s great year-round.
Casseroles like this Hamburger Potato Casserole have been a staple of American home cooking for generations, thanks to their simplicity and versatility. The term casserole refers not only to the dish itself but also to the deep baking pan used to prepare it. Using ground beef as a protein source makes this recipe both affordable and satisfying, especially when paired with hearty vegetables like potatoes. Adding a creamy base such as cream of mushroom soup enhances the texture and adds that classic comfort food flavor everyone loves.