Name: Hamburger Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 0.45 pounds ground beef; 0.91 kg potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 cup chopped onion; 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 0.5 cup milk; 0.25 cup bread crumbs; 0 salt and pepper to taste

You know those nights? The ones where you’re staring into the fridge, desperately hoping something magical will happen. What do you have to have in a jar of pickles and some Tupperware? Yeah, I’ve been there. What’s your go-to night snack? But then there are those other nights, the ones where you want comfort, flavor, and you don’t want to feel guilty. What does it feel like to be in a warm hug from the inside out? What is a Hamburger potato casserole? What’s a culinary hug? What is the best thing to eat? I need a win in the kitchen. whip up when I’m hungry. If you love shepherd’s pie but wish it had more… well, *casserole-ness* and a lot more. If you like hamburger potato casserole, then you will love it.

What is a Hamburger potato casserole?

What exactly is a hamburger Potato Casserole? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup. Is it a good combination of ground beef and potatoes? All nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce that just screams delicious. Is it the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes? Is there an irresistible What is essentially a complete meal baked into one glorious dish, eliminating the need for multiple dishes. What are some good side dishes to serve with a green salad? The name itself tells you what you’re getting: a good name. What a great combination of flavor from the hamburger and pure, unadulterated joy from all the potatoes. Is it hearty, satisfying, and just plain good food?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this hamburger potato casserole has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to love it too. First off, let’s talk about the flavor. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. The ground beef gets beautifully browned and seasoned, creating a delicious base that’s perfectly complemented by the potatoes. And the sauce? Oh, the sauce! It’s creamy and dreamy, coating everything in pure deliciousness. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes and just savor every single bite. Beyond the taste, this recipe is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. The prep is straightforward, and most of the magic happens in the oven. You can even do some of the prep work ahead of time, which is always a win in my book. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Ground beef and potatoes are staples that don’t break the bank, making this a fantastic option for feeding a family without spending a fortune. What I love most about this hamburger potato casserole, though, is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a forgiving recipe that always turns out great, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. Compared to something like a traditional lasagna or a Baked Ziti, it feels a bit more down-to-earth, a little more rustic, and honestly, more comforting.

How do I make Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Quick Overview

How do you make a hamburger potato casserole? From a fancy restaurant. You’ll brown some ground beef, then combine it with a simple, creamy sauce and loads of onions. What are the best potatoes Everything gets layered into a baking dish and baked until bubbly and golden. Is it the kind of recipe that feels incredibly rewarding because it’s so easy to achieve amazing results? How quickly you can pull this together, making it perfect for those evenings. When you are short on time but big on cravings.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What is it?
2 pounds ground beef.
1 large onion, chopped.
2 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
1 teaspoon salt is a teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
1/4 teaspoon paprika. 1/4
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted.
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 teaspoon salt.

For the Filling:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
One cup frozen peas. 1 cup canned pe
1 cup frozen corn (optional, but adds a lovely sweetness)

For the Glaze:
1/4 cup butter, melted. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) (optional)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). What is the best size for a 9×13 baking dish? And creates those lovely, slightly crispy edges. Give the dish a light spray with cooking oil or butter it well to prevent any sticking. Is this masterpiece clinging to the pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large skillet, add ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes. What is the best way to break it up with a spoon and cook over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. How do you drain off grease? Once drained, add the chopped onion and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and browned. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Mix well. Cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. What is the difference between a little bit of seasoning and seasoned beef?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now grab a separate bowl. What is your condensed cream of mushroom soup? Add milk and stir until smooth and well combined. What is a creamy sauce? If it seems too thick, you can add another tablespoon or two of milk, but it usually thins out. When it bakes, it comes out nicely.

Step 4: Combine

Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture and stir until it’s mostly melted and smooth. What should I do with this cheesy soup mixture? Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated in that delicious sauce. What is the best way to blend ingredients?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

What’s the star of the show? Potatoes! I like to use a mandoline for consistent slices, but I also like using sharp knives. You want them thin enough to cook through but not so thin that they turn to mush. If you’re using frozen peas and corn, there’s no need to thaw them. Just add them right into the mix. Where does the potato casserole get its flavor?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Alright, time to assemble! What is the recipe for ground beef in a baking dish? Spoon about half of the seasoned mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out. Now, carefully layer your thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Try to get an even layer. How do you sprinkle frozen peas and corn over potatoes? What is the best way to serve leftover beef mixture? If you like, you can swirl it with a spoon. It’s not necessary. What is the idea of getting that wonderful beefy goodness distributed throughout?

Step 7: Bake

Place a baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. You want to see the edges starting to bubble and the potatoes beginning to soften. What’s the magic topping? While the casserole is baking, whisk together the flour and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese. Stir well. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and evenly spread this. Is there a cheesy topping over the entire surface? Pop it back into the oven for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the crust is crispy. When pierced with a fork, the potatoes are tender. If you inserted a toothpick into potatoes, it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once it’s done, take the hamburger potato casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Is there a minute before serving Is this crucial? How do you slice a casserole without it falling apart? If you’re using fresh parsley, this is the time to sprinkle it over the top for a pop of color and garnish. What is green and what does it look like?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

What’s the best part about a potato casserole? Cut it into generous squares and serve it up hot. Why is everyone waiting for their plate? Is this a favorite dish in your house?

What should I serve it with?

What is a good hamburger potato casserole? What are some of the best additions to a meal? What is a good side salad with vinaigrette? It adds a nice freshness to cut through the richness of the casserole. What is a family favorite to serve with steamed green beans or broccoli? The vibrant green of the vegetables offers a lovely contrast in both color and flavor. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, some crusty bread or garlic bread is always welcome. How do you soak up extra sauce? For a truly hearty meal, especially on an evening with friends, serving tomato soup is pure bliss. What is the best combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese?

How do you make a Hamburger Potato Casserole?

I have made this hamburger potato casserole more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve made it more than once. I have picked up a few tricks that really elevate it from good to absolutely incredible. When it comes to potatoes, slicing them thinly and evenly is key. If they’re too thick, they might not cook through properly, and if they’re thin, can get a spherical. I really recommend a mandoline if you have one, but just take your time with an electric knife. For beef, don’t skip draining off the grease! What makes a difference in taste and texture? What seasonings do you use for beef? What is the importance of depth of flavor? When mixing the soup base, make sure it’s fully combined before adding it to the beef. A lumpy soup base just won’t give you that smooth, dreamy sauce we’re after. How do I make a cheese topping with freshly shredded cheddar? stuff, which often has anti-caking agents that can make it a bit greasy. If you find your casserole is bubbling too quickly around the edges before the center is done, you can use a knife to slice it. Can always loosely tent the dish with foil. What is the resting period after baking? Is it just a suggestion? Is it really important for a casserole to set up properly, so resist the urge to dig in the second time? When do you get your food out of the oven?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This hamburger potato casserole is fantastic for leftovers, which is always a bonus in my book. Once the casserole has cooled down completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For reheating, you can pop individual portions back into the oven at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through, or you can even microwave it for a quick meal. The oven usually gives it a better texture, kind of bringing back that crispy topping. If you’re reheating a larger portion, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out or burning. I haven’t had much luck freezing this casserole *after* it’s been baked, as the potatoes can get a bit watery upon thawing. However, you could absolutely assemble it ahead of time, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed. For the glaze, it’s always best applied just before the final baking or reheating for the freshest, most appealing look and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this hamburger potato casserole gluten-free, you can easily swap out the cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups for gluten-free versions. Many brands now offer these. For the topping, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a pretty straightforward substitution. The texture should remain very similar!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t actually use zucchini! It’s all about the delicious combination of ground beef and potatoes. However, if you were thinking of adding vegetables, peeling the potatoes is generally recommended for the best texture, as the skins can sometimes be a bit tough in a casserole like this.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s a fun idea! You could certainly try making this into individual portions by baking it in muffin tins. You’d want to make sure your beef and potato mixture isn’t too chunky and is well-coated in the sauce. Fill the muffin liners about two-thirds full and adjust the baking time – they’ll likely bake faster, perhaps around 25-30 minutes, so keep a close eye on them. The cheesy topping would be lovely on top of mini casseroles!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

The sweetness in this casserole primarily comes from the condensed soups and the optional corn. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of corn or omit it altogether. You could also use a low-sodium or “golden mushroom” soup which tends to be a bit less sweet than cream of mushroom. Adjusting the salt and pepper balance can also help enhance the savory flavors, making the sweetness less prominent.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

The cheesy topping is one of my favorite parts, but if you’re looking for alternatives, you have a few options! You could skip the topping altogether and just sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Another idea is to make a simple breadcrumb topping by mixing breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and herbs and sprinkling that over the top for a nice crunch. Or, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives after baking can add a lovely touch too.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite hamburger potato casserole. It’s a dish that’s not just delicious, but it’s also incredibly reliable. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in, a potluck, or anytime you need a little extra comfort in your life. I hope you give this hamburger potato casserole a try; I truly believe it will become a staple in your home just like it is in mine. It’s a recipe that tastes like a lot of love went into it, even when you’re short on time. Let me know in the comments below how yours turns out, or if you have any special twists you like to add! I always love hearing about your culinary adventures.