Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Guide

When the chill of cooler weather sets in, there’s an undeniable craving for dishes that warm you from the inside out. Nothing quite satisfies this longing like a classic combination of savory meat and wholesome potatoes. This powerful duo is a testament to simple, hearty cooking, delivering unparalleled comfort with every forkful.

Imagine bringing these two beloved ingredients together in a single, delicious dish that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably easy to prepare. That’s precisely what our Ground Beef and Potato Casserole offers – a guaranteed winner that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to cherished family gatherings, echoing the warmth and joy of a big dinner table.

This casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a classic meal that stands the test of time, cherished for its simplicity and comforting appeal. It promises to fill your home with an inviting aroma and your belly with satisfying goodness.

Jump to the full recipe card below for detailed instructions and ingredient quantities!

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Casserole

Crafting this comforting Ground Beef and Potato Casserole relies on a few simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this casserole, providing rich, savory flavor. Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best, as it offers good flavor without excessive grease. You can also opt for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. Don’t underestimate its power to infuse flavor.
• Potatoes (Russet): Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness, which helps them become wonderfully tender while absorbing the creamy sauce. Slicing them thinly and evenly is key for uniform cooking.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This condensed soup is a classic shortcut to a rich, creamy sauce, providing a savory umami base that perfectly complements the beef and potatoes.
• Onion (Yellow): Chopped yellow onion caramelizes slightly when browned with the beef, adding a subtle sweetness and enhancing the savory notes.
• Milk: Used to thin out the condensed soup, creating a smooth and luscious sauce that coats every layer of the casserole. Whole milk or 2% milk works beautifully.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: The final touch of cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor that melts beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly top crust. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

These ingredients, while humble on their own, combine to create a magnificent dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Crafting Your Delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step

Making this hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life in your kitchen:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it starts to brown, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook and stir until the ground beef is fully browned and the onions have softened and become translucent. This ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet for a less greasy casserole.
2. Slice the Potatoes: While the beef is browning, prepare your potatoes. Peel the russet potatoes and then slice them thinly and evenly. A food processor with a slicing attachment makes this task incredibly quick and easy, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking. If slicing by hand, use a sharp knife and take your time to create uniform slices. Consistency is key for the potatoes to cook through at the same rate.
3. Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Stir these two ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Then, fold in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This mixture forms the luscious, savory sauce that binds the casserole together, infusing it with creamy, cheesy goodness throughout.

4. Assemble the Casserole Layers: Lightly spray a 2-quart (11×7-inch) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Begin the layering process by arranging half of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the creamy soup mixture evenly over the potato layer. Follow this with an even layer of half the cooked ground beef mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, and ground beef. This ensures every bite of the casserole is rich with all the wonderful flavors.

5. Initial Baking (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the potatoes, ensuring they become tender throughout the initial cooking phase without drying out the top layer. Place the covered dish into your preheated oven and bake for one hour.
6. Final Baking (Uncovered & Cheesy): After the initial hour, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and discard the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole, creating an irresistible cheesy crust. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are perfectly tender. You can test the potatoes for “doneness” by gently piercing them with a sharp knife; they should offer little resistance.
7. Rest Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. It’s crucial to let the dish rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly, making for easier and cleaner serving.

Following these steps will ensure you create a magnificent Ground Beef and Potato Casserole that’s rich in flavor, wonderfully creamy, and utterly comforting. Enjoy the process of bringing this classic dish to your family table!

Exciting Variations for Your Potato Hamburger Casserole

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base recipe, inviting you to experiment with flavors and techniques to make it uniquely your own. Here are some fantastic variations to consider, whether you’re short on time or eager to explore new tastes:

Time-Saving Tips:

Pre-Cook Potatoes for Faster Baking: If you’re looking to significantly reduce the overall cooking time, try pre-cooking your sliced potatoes. After peeling and slicing, place them in a microwave-safe covered container with a tablespoon or two of water and microwave for approximately 8 minutes, or until slightly tender but still firm (al dente). Then, proceed with layering them in the baking dish as directed. This simple step can dramatically shorten your oven time; after 45 minutes of covered baking, your casserole will likely be ready for the “uncovered” cheesy step.

Scaling for a Crowd:

Double the Recipe for Large Gatherings: Feeding a larger family or a crowd? Simply double all the ingredients and assemble the casserole in a spacious 9×13-inch baking pan. You might need to add a little extra baking time, especially during the covered phase, to ensure all the potatoes cook thoroughly. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness before adding the final cheese layer.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles:

While delicious in its original form, some might enjoy adding an extra “punch” of flavor to this casserole. Here are some creative ideas:

• Savory Soup Mix Additions: Dry soup mixes are fantastic for amplifying flavor. Consider adding half an envelope of a beefy onion or regular onion soup mix to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir it in with about ½ cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld before layering it into the casserole. Be mindful of the salt content when using beefy onion varieties; a full envelope might be too salty for some palates.
• Boost with Vegetables: Incorporate more nutrition and texture by adding a layer of your favorite vegetables. Baby carrots, cut green beans, or even diced bell peppers can be mixed into the beef layer or layered between the potatoes. This is an excellent way to sneak in extra veggies for a more balanced meal.
• Richer, Creamier Sauce: For those who prefer a more luxuriant, saucier casserole, consider stirring about ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the condensed soup and milk mixture. This addition will make the sauce exceptionally creamy and add a delightful tang that complements the savory beef and potatoes beautifully.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the ground beef as it cooks. Alternatively, a dash of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning can add a warm, complex aroma and taste.
• Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a touch of smoked gouda can introduce new dimensions of flavor and melt beautifully.

These variations offer endless possibilities, allowing you to adapt this humble casserole to suit any occasion or preference. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!

More Hearty Recipes to Love

If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make meals, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other delicious recipes from our kitchen. They offer similar profiles of robust flavors and straightforward preparation, perfect for any home cook:

• Instant Pot Pepper Steak
• Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
• Baked Feta Chicken
• Instant Pot French Onion Chicken
• Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef
• Instant Pot Tater Tot Casserole

Beef and Potato Casserole

This easy casserole is comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (hamburger)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 3-4 cups)
• 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup, condensed
• 1 yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, start browning the ground beef. Add the minced garlic and the chopped onions to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the milk and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Lightly spray a 2-quart (11×7 inch) baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then layer half of the cooked meat mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, and meat.
5. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for one hour.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
7. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the dish to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

Calories: 456 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 21g |
Protein: 26g |
Fat: 29g |
Saturated Fat: 15g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 98mg |
Sodium: 470mg |
Potassium: 928mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 428 IU |
Vitamin C: 6mg |
Calcium: 376mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition values are estimates only, calculated using online tools. Please verify using your own data and dietary considerations.