Hamburger Potato Casserole – The Old-School Comfort Dinner That Feeds Everybody

Some dinners feel like they came straight from a handwritten recipe box — the kind that shows up when you need something hearty, affordable, and guaranteed to make everyone full.

Hamburger Potato Casserole is that kind of meal. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s warm, filling, and tastes like the kind of supper that kept families going on busy weeknights.

It’s not fancy — it’s comforting. And it always works.

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Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

• 5–6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

• ¾ cup milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional add-ins: frozen peas, corn, mushrooms, sliced carrots.

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Instructions

1) Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2) Cook the Beef

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion until cooked through.

2. Drain excess grease.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

3) Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together cream soup and milk until smooth.

4) Layer the Casserole

1. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the dish.

2. Spread half the beef mixture over potatoes.

3. Pour on some soup mixture and sprinkle with cheese.

4. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.

5) Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake 60 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more until potatoes are tender and top is golden.

6) Rest & Serve

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing (helps it hold together).

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Why This Recipe Works

• Potatoes cook tender in the creamy sauce

• Ground beef brings hearty flavor

• Cheese makes it rich and comforting

• Bakes into a full meal with simple pantry ingredients

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Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Slice potatoes thin and evenly for even cooking

• Use Yukon Gold for creamier texture, russets for classic comfort

• Cover first so potatoes cook through

• Want more flavor? Add Worcestershire sauce to the beef

• Let it rest before serving for clean slices

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Serving Suggestions

• Simple green salad

• Steamed green beans

• Roasted broccoli

• Dinner rolls or cornbread

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FAQ – Hamburger Potato Casserole

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10–15 extra minutes of bake time.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Freeze baked portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat covered.

Why are my potatoes still hard?

They were sliced too thick or the casserole needed more covered baking time. Cover and bake longer until fork-tender.