Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

Naomi

Everyday Culinary Delights 👩‍🍳

When you need a simple, hearty, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers every time. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something filling and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

This casserole brings together pantry staples and simple ingredients into one delicious meal that feels like classic comfort food. The creamy mushroom soup blends perfectly with the potatoes and beef, while the cheddar cheese creates a gooey, golden topping that’s hard to resist. Plus, you only need a few basic steps to pull it all together.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients and walking through the first steps of this easy, family-friendly recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • (Optional: salt and pepper to taste)

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven nice and hot ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the potatoes become tender throughout.

STEP 2: BROWN THE BEEF

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

This seasoned ground beef layer adds a savory foundation to the casserole and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender potatoes.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE MIXTURE

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creamy mixture will help keep the casserole moist and flavorful as it bakes, blending beautifully with the beef and potatoes.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

Now that your beef is browned and your creamy sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble and bake this comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole. The layering process ensures every bite is filled with tender potatoes, savory beef, and that rich, creamy sauce. Let’s continue with the next steps to bring everything together.

STEP 4: LAYER THE CASSEROLE

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will create the foundation of your casserole.

Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then pour half of the cream of mushroom and milk mixture over the beef, spreading it gently with a spoon or spatula to cover the entire layer.

Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce, building a second layer that mirrors the first. This ensures a well-balanced casserole with plenty of flavor in every bite.

STEP 5: TOP WITH CHEESE

Once your layers are complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. This cheese layer will melt and become bubbly and golden as it bakes, adding the perfect cheesy finish to your dish.

If you like a little extra cheese, feel free to add more than the recipe calls for. The more cheese, the gooier and more comforting the casserole becomes.

STEP 6: BAKE

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together.

After the initial hour of baking, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This uncovered baking time allows the cheese to fully melt and turn golden brown while ensuring the potatoes are perfectly tender.

STEP 7: SERVE

Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

Serve your hamburger potato casserole hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors that make this dish such a crowd-pleaser.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Add a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Enjoy leftovers for an easy lunch the next day — it reheats beautifully

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

Your Hamburger Potato Casserole is now baked to perfection—creamy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be customized to fit your family’s tastes. Before we wrap up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions, helpful variations, and final tips so you can enjoy this recipe with confidence every time.

1. CAN I USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POTATOES?
Yes. Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape well while becoming tender during baking. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great choice for a creamier texture.

2. CAN I SUBSTITUTE GROUND TURKEY OR CHICKEN?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the ground beef if you want a leaner option. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the flavor.

3. CAN I ADD VEGETABLES TO THE CASSEROLE?
Yes. You can mix in frozen or cooked vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or carrots to add extra nutrition and color.

4. CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

5. HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full casserole in the oven.

6. CAN I FREEZE THIS CASSEROLE?
Yes. This casserole freezes well. Assemble it fully (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

7. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT SOUP INSTEAD OF CREAM OF MUSHROOM?
Yes. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also work well and give a slightly different flavor.

FINAL THOUGHTS: HEARTY, EASY, AND FAMILY-APPROVED

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole truly lives up to its name. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers hearty, satisfying flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a comforting dish for guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

The best part? You can easily make it your own with different proteins, veggies, or cheeses depending on what you have on hand. Once you make it, you’ll see why this recipe is a classic go-to for quick and delicious family dinners.

Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, comforting bite!

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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Quick Family Dinners


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 min

Description

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce bake together into the perfect hearty casserole — simple to prep and perfect for busy weeknights!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 34 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

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

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)


Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2️⃣ Cook the beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Season with garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

4️⃣ Layer the casserole:
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture on top.
Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.

5️⃣ Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden.

6️⃣ Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking; a mandoline works great.

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 15 min

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