Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Favorite

This hamburger potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce—all topped with melted cheese for a warm, cozy meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole brings simplicity and flavor together in the best way.

Using simple, everyday ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup, you can easily create a filling, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to be a hit.

Let’s get cooking!

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 5 small potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The starchy base of the casserole that makes it hearty and satisfying.
• 2 lbs of ground beef, browned: Adds rich, savory protein to the dish.
• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) of cream of mushroom soup: Provides the creamy sauce that binds everything together.
• 1 1/2 cups of milk: Thins the soup mixture just enough to create a luscious, creamy consistency.
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese: We used Colby Jack, but cheddar would also work beautifully for that golden, melty top.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and thinly slice your potatoes into rounds—try to keep them at an even thickness for uniform cooking. A mandoline slicer works great for this, but a sharp knife does the job too.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Set the cooked beef aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of mushroom soup and the milk until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will coat the potatoes and beef, creating a rich and comforting base for the casserole.

4. Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble! Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Start by spreading a layer of sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, add a layer of browned ground beef on top of the potatoes. Pour about half of the creamy mushroom mixture over this layer, ensuring everything is well coated. Repeat the layers one more time: potatoes, beef, and the remaining sauce.

5. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will melt into a golden, bubbly layer of cheesy goodness, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy filling below.

6. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and crisp up.

7. Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to dish out neat portions. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, beefy, potato-filled goodness!

Pro Tips:

• Make it a one-pan meal: If you want to cut down on dishes, cook the ground beef in an oven-safe skillet and layer the casserole directly in the same pan.
• Customize your cheese: Try mixing Colby Jack with cheddar for a sharper flavor or use mozzarella for an extra gooey topping.
• Add extra flavor: For a little more depth, consider sautéing some garlic with the ground beef or adding a pinch of paprika or thyme to the sauce.
• Vegetable boost: You can easily add extra veggies like frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers to this dish for added nutrients.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven for an easy, no-fuss dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Family-friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike thanks to its simple, hearty flavors.
• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Leftover-friendly: This casserole tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting casserole, and this hamburger potato casserole hits all the right notes. With its creamy mushroom sauce, savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple, satisfying meal, you can’t go wrong with this classic recipe. So, grab those pantry staples, throw them together, and let the oven work its magic. Your family will be thanking you for this one!