If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole is a delightful fusion of savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender layers of potatoes that come together to create a dish rich in flavor and cozy texture. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it’s surprisingly simple to make but delivers big on taste, making it a go-to for anyone looking to serve up soul-satisfying comfort food without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of staple ingredients that work hand in hand to create a medley of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the richness of cheddar cheese, the creaminess of sour cream, or the hearty base of ground beef, ensuring the dish feels both wholesome and indulgent.
- Ground beef (2 pounds): The protein-packed heart of the casserole, adding robust flavor and satisfying texture.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors with the perfect amount of seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, divided): Adds a subtle kick that ties the savory elements together.
- Russet potatoes (3-4 medium, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick): Creamy and tender layers that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 ounces): Brings creamy cheesiness and helps bind the casserole into a luscious, velvety mixture.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds tang and richness, balancing the heaviness of the cheese and beef.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Lightens the cheese soup mixture for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a warm, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a mellow sweetness enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds sharp, melty cheesiness to every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Offers a stretchy, gooey texture that’s irresistible when baked.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and ready to create that perfect golden finish. Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish so your layers won’t stick and clean-up becomes a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for success.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, sprinkling salt and black pepper to season while it browns. It’s crucial to drain any excess grease after cooking to keep the casserole rich but not greasy. Set this savory beef aside — it’s the base of the flavor explosion.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir briskly until everything melds into a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the ingredients with cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Lay down half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. The potatoes will soak up flavors and bake to tender perfection, so spreading evenly ensures each bite includes that melt-in-your-mouth comfort.
Step 5: Add Beef and Cheese Layers
Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of your cheese soup mixture over the beef, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The layering here is key to creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, beef, cheese sauce, and shredded cheeses. Think of it as building layers of deliciousness destined to bake into a bubbling masterpiece.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole tightly with foil and bake it for one hour. This gentle steaming ensures the potatoes become tender. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get that irresistible bubbly, golden cheese topping everyone loves.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
After baking, give your casserole about 5 to 10 minutes to set. This resting time helps everything firm up slightly, making it easier to cut perfect squares and allowing flavors to deepen just that bit more before serving.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this comforting casserole beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, light sides provide contrast to the rich, hearty casserole, rounding out your meal flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of green onions on each portion to create a loaded baked potato vibe that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the casserole taste even better the next day — a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish in advance, assemble the casserole but skip the baking step. Wrap it securely with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to keep the cheese gooey and the potatoes just right. Microwaving works too but may result in slightly softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide a classic creamy and melty combo, feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some added spice and flavor variation.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or extra vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers to create a delicious vegetarian version of the Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe.
Is it possible to use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh potatoes are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen sliced potatoes. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before layering to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender all the way through (test with a fork) and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Following the baking times closely will get you perfect results every time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish or even two dishes. Just keep an eye on baking time, as a larger dish may take a bit longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that invites everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and comforting layers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to make it, enjoy it, and maybe even make it a regular in your recipe rotation!
Print
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole combines layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a golden blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection, this comforting casserole makes for a satisfying family meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside to prepare for layering.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Season it with half of the salt and pepper while cooking. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain excess grease and set the meat aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Potatoes: Place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating the base layer for the casserole.
- Add the Beef and Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potato layer. Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the beef. Then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, cheese sauce, and shredded cheeses, building the casserole to full height.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious hamburger potato casserole!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little more sour cream or milk to the cheese sauce mixture.
- If you prefer, substitute mozzarella cheese with Monterey Jack or a mild white cheese for a different flavor.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To save time, the ground beef and cheese sauce mixture can be prepared ahead of time.
