Looking for a comforting and simple dinner that the whole family will enjoy? This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the answer! It combines savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese for a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients and can be assembled in no time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious, satisfying dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Simple Ingredients: With basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this casserole is quick to assemble and bake.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes for a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a meal that even the pickiest eaters will love, making it perfect for families.
- One-Pan Meal: This casserole is easy to prepare and cleanup is a breeze, as everything bakes together in one dish.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the dish to your taste.
Ingredients
To make this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will need:
- 1 pound ground beef: A classic choice for this casserole, offering a savory base.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds flavor and sweetness to balance the savory beef.
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced: The base of the casserole, creating a creamy and hearty texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A must for that melty, cheesy goodness on top.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps to thin out the soup and create a smooth sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the casserole perfectly.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, making sure the beef is crumbled and browned evenly. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Layer
While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. You want the slices to be even so they cook evenly in the casserole. You can use a mandoline slicer for quicker and more uniform results.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, spoon half of the beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef. Repeat the layers: another layer of sliced potatoes, the remaining beef mixture, and the rest of the soup mixture.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will melt during baking, creating a delicious cheesy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve hot! This casserole pairs perfectly with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cook Notes
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the casserole for more nutrition and color.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Freezer-Friendly: If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Variations
- Tater Tot Topping: For a fun twist, top the casserole with frozen tater tots before baking instead of the shredded cheese. The tots will bake into a crispy layer on top.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the ground beef for a spicy variation.
- Bacon Lovers: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the beef mixture for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a vegetarian alternative like lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Keto Version
To make this casserole keto-friendly, you can make a few simple changes:
- Replace Potatoes: Instead of potatoes, use thinly sliced cauliflower or rutabaga. These vegetables have a similar texture and will lower the carb content.
- Cheese: Use full-fat cheese to keep the casserole creamy and rich without adding unnecessary carbs.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Make your own low-carb version of cream of mushroom soup by using a keto-friendly recipe or opting for a store-bought low-carb version.
Low-Carb Version
To reduce the carbs in this casserole without making it fully keto, you can substitute:
- Potatoes: Use thinly sliced zucchini or squash instead of regular potatoes. These vegetables are lower in carbs and will still provide a satisfying texture.
- Soup: Make your own creamy sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, and a bit of butter to keep it low-carb while still being creamy.
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and incredibly simple to make. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a meal in advance. With its creamy, cheesy layers and hearty ingredients, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or flavors, and don’t forget to try the keto or low-carb variations for a healthier twist! Enjoy
