Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Hearty Comforting Meal for Every Occasion

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes hold a place as cherished as the humble casserole. And when you combine the hearty goodness of ground beef with the satisfying starchiness of potatoes, you get a dish that’s not just a meal, but a warm embrace on a plate. Hamburger Potato Casserole is that quintessential dish – easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of home-cooked goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine tender slices of potato, perfectly cooked ground beef, and a creamy, savory sauce, all baked together under a blanket of melted, golden cheese. It’s a dish that’s both filling and flavorful, designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with your loved ones, this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is about to become your new go-to. Let’s dive into how you can create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

The Allure of Hamburger Potato Casserole

What makes this casserole so universally loved? It’s a combination of simplicity, affordability, and undeniable deliciousness. Here’s a closer look at why this dish is a staple in so many homes:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the greatest strengths of Hamburger Potato Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of what you need in your pantry right now: ground beef, potatoes, a can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion, and cheese. These everyday items come together to create a surprisingly complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that belies its humble origins.

A True Crowd-Pleaser

From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, this casserole appeals to everyone. Its mild, savory flavors and comforting textures make it a hit with children, while adults appreciate its hearty nature and nostalgic appeal. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you need to feed a large family or entertain guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Budget-Friendly and Economical

In today’s world, finding meals that are both delicious and economical is a huge win. Hamburger Potato Casserole fits the bill perfectly. Ground beef and potatoes are relatively inexpensive ingredients, and the use of condensed soup helps to stretch the meal further, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious cooks.

Versatile and Adaptable

While the classic recipe is fantastic on its own, Hamburger Potato Casserole is incredibly adaptable. You can easily add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or experiment with different types of cheese to customize it to your liking. This versatility ensures that the dish never gets boring and can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Comforting Casserole

To create this delightful Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:

• Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound. This forms the savory base of our casserole.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.5 ounce) can. This is the secret to the casserole’s creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Milk: ¾ cup. Used to thin out the soup and create a smooth sauce.
• Chopped Onion: ½ cup. Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce.
• Peeled and Thinly Sliced Potatoes: 3 cups. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture and ability to absorb flavors. Thin slicing ensures even cooking.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup. The crowning glory that melts into a gooey, delicious topping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Casserole

Creating this comforting casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven

Before you begin cooking, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake, leading to even cooking and a perfectly golden casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook and stir the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is completely browned and crumbly. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the beef is thoroughly cooked, drain and discard any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole and ensuring the flavors are clean and rich.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 (10.5 ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, ¾ cup milk, and ½ cup chopped onion. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Season generously with salt and ground black pepper to taste. This creamy mixture will bind the casserole together and infuse it with savory flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble your casserole! Take a 2-quart baking dish and begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Then, spread a portion of the creamy soup mixture over the potatoes. Follow this with a layer of the browned ground beef. Continue to alternate these layers – potatoes, soup mixture, and ground beef – until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes on top. This layering technique ensures that every bite of the casserole has a balanced combination of all the delicious components.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the casserole uncovered for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your potato slices and your oven. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and has turned a beautiful golden brown. This final step adds a delicious cheesy crust to the casserole.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the Hamburger Potato Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Dish out generous portions and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal with your family and friends!

Tips for Casserole Success

• Thinly Slice Potatoes: For even cooking, ensure your potato slices are uniformly thin. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this.
• Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Draining the grease from the cooked ground beef is essential to prevent your casserole from becoming oily.
• Season Generously: Potatoes and beef both need good seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add enough salt and pepper to the soup mixture.
• Cover if Needed: If your casserole starts to brown too quickly on top before the potatoes are tender, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or green beans to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Cheeses: While Cheddar is classic, experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorites.

Nutritional Highlights of Hamburger Potato Casserole

Beyond its comforting appeal, Hamburger Potato Casserole offers several nutritional benefits:

• Protein Power: Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
• Energy from Carbs: Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the day.
• Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contributes various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins from the beef and potassium from the potatoes.
• Calcium from Cheese: The cheese topping adds a good dose of calcium, important for bone health.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

To complete your Hamburger Potato Casserole meal, consider these delicious pairings:

• Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a healthy and easy side dish.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
• Pickles: The tanginess of pickles can cut through the richness of the casserole, offering a nice palate cleanser.

Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a go-to for comfort, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills bellies, and warms hearts. So, next time you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy on the wallet and big on flavor, look no further. This casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, just as it has been for generations.

Hamburger Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy mushroom soup sauce, and melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup chopped onion
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

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Method

 

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
3. Mix condensed soup, milk, onion, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until combined.
4. Alternately layer the potatoes, soup mixture, and browned ground beef in a 2-quart baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
6. Top with Cheddar cheese, and continue baking until cheese is melted.
7. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven.

Freezing: You can freeze leftover casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat thoroughly in the oven.

Tips: For even cooking, slice potatoes uniformly thin. If casserole browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the beef mixture.