There are few things as comforting as a warm, bubbly casserole straight from the oven. This hamburger potato casserole is the epitome of hearty, homestyle cooking, layering savory ground beef and tender potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce. Topped with a generous blanket of melted cheddar, it’s a one-dish wonder that promises to satisfy the whole family and make any weeknight feel a little cozier.
This recipe is a tried-and-true classic, perfected to be both foolproof and incredibly delicious. The combination of earthy mushrooms, seasoned beef, and perfectly cooked red potatoes creates a dish that’s packed with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of reliable, satisfying meal that quickly becomes a staple, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday dinner.
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 Tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 lbs red potatoes, sliced to about ¼ inch thickness
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Then, be sure to drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
It’s time to assemble your hamburger potato casserole. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then half of the beef mixture, and 1 cup of cheese. Repeat the layers one more time.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil, sprinkle the last cup of cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Finally, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
My Best Hamburger Potato Casserole Tips
Uniform Potato Slices are Key
My most important tip is to slice the potatoes to a uniform ¼-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer is perfect for this job, as it ensures the potatoes cook through evenly.
Grate Your Own Cheese for the Best Melt
For the creamiest topping, I always recommend grating cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains starches that can create a grainy texture when melted.
Let the Casserole Rest Before Serving
Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking is essential. This allows the creamy sauce to thicken and set, making it much easier to serve clean slices.
Variations of Hamburger Potato Casserole
Feel free to customize this hamburger potato casserole. For a vegetable boost, stir in a cup of frozen mixed veggies with the sauce. If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while browning the beef. Or, for a Tex-Mex twist, simply swap the paprika for chili powder and cumin, add black beans or corn, and use a Mexican cheese blend.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy this cheeseburger and french fry casserole.
FAQs
What goes good with hamburger potato casserole?
Since this is a hearty meal, pair it with something light like a fresh green salad or simple steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
Can I use mashed potatoes instead of sliced potatoes?
Yes, you can. Prepare the ground beef mixture as directed, spread it in the dish, and top it with a thick layer of mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie-style dish.
How do you know when potato casserole is done?
The casserole is done when a fork slides easily through the potato layers and the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Can you freeze hamburger potato casserole?
Absolutely. For best results, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole. Layers of savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce are baked to bubbly perfection under a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This easy, one-dish wonder is a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for a cozy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 lbs red potatoes, sliced to 1/4-inch thickness
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms until the beef is fully browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Stir the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Layer the Casserole
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Top with half of the beef and sauce mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and another cup of cheese.
Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the final cup of cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Uniform Slices:
For evenly cooked potatoes, it’s crucial to slice them to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer makes this task quick and easy.
Best Cheese Melt:
For the creamiest, smoothest melted cheese topping, grate your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
Let It Rest:
Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking is essential. This gives the sauce time to set and thicken, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Freezing Instructions:
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time. Cover it tightly before the baking step and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 615 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef recipe, cheesy potato casserole, comfort food, weeknight dinner, family meal, one dish meal, baked casserole
