This Simple Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort, warmth, and satisfaction to every bite. Made with tender slices of potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort. One bite reminds you of classic home-style cooking—rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Casserole Special
Ingredients
How to Prepare the Potatoes
How to Cook the Ground Beef
How to Make the Creamy Sauce
How to Assemble the Casserole
How to Bake
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Final Thoughts
What Makes This Casserole Special
This hamburger and potato casserole stands out for its simplicity and versatility. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a filling meal that feels comforting and homemade. The thinly sliced potatoes cook into tender layers, the seasoned ground beef adds savory flavor, and the creamy soup mixture binds everything together. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, the casserole becomes golden, bubbling, and irresistibly rich.
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef (lean or extra-lean recommended)
• 4–5 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or chicken or celery soup)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs
• Optional vegetables: sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, carrots
How to Prepare the Potatoes
Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Even slices help the potatoes cook at the same rate and become perfectly tender. Set them aside while you prepare the meat mixture.
How to Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 more minutes until softened and fragrant.
Drain any excess fat, then season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer.
How to Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This mixture will keep the casserole creamy and help the potatoes cook evenly.
How to Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup mixture over the meat layer, spreading it gently.
Repeat with another layer of potatoes, ground beef, and the remaining soup mixture.
How to Bake
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving so it can set and slice cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or sliced green onions. It pairs beautifully with a side of green salad, steamed vegetables, or fresh dinner rolls.
For extra richness, add a spoonful of sour cream on top.
Tips for Success
Cut the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook properly. A mandoline slicer makes this quick and precise.
Try adding extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for more flavor and nutrition.
Feel free to switch up the cheese—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all work beautifully.
You can assemble the dish the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake the next day after letting it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It uses basic, affordable ingredients you probably already have at home.
The preparation is simple, making it ideal for beginners and busy cooks.
It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table.
It’s versatile and easy to customize with different flavors or vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.