Looking for a classic comfort dish with rich flavor and satisfying texture ? This Hamburger Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. With tender ground beef, creamy soup, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese on top, this baked casserole delivers all the cozy goodness of your favorite home-cooked meals—without needing to make multiple dishes.
Perfect for weeknight dinners , potlucks , or as a make-ahead meal prep idea , this easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting guests, or craving something warm and savory, this hamburger and potato casserole will quickly become a household favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this hearty hamburger potato casserole , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole
This isn’t just any old ground beef bake—it’s a creamy, crunchy, cheesy comfort dish made with real ingredients that bring warmth and richness together beautifully.
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🍔 Hearty meat layer : Rich and savory with seasoned ground beef.
- 🥔 Crispy potato topping : Golden, buttery layers add crunch and depth.
- 🧀 Cheesy finish : Melty cheddar or mozzarella ties everything together.
- 🍲 One-dish meal : Minimal cleanup, maximum convenience.
- ⏱️ Ready in under an hour
- 🧁 Great for meal prep or freezing
- 🧼 Easy to customize : Add veggies, switch up the seasoning, or go low-carb
Whether you’re making it for yourself, your kids, or guests at a dinner party, this comforting casserole will quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Layer:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of onion soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 3–4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: Green onions or sour cream for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through.
Add chopped onion and garlic; cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Mix-ins
Stir in:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (if using)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Mix well until fully combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Potato Topping
Toss the thinly sliced potatoes with melted butter or oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Layer the potatoes neatly over the meat mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes , or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
The cheese should be bubbly and lightly crisp around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this allows flavors to meld and makes for cleaner cuts.
Garnish with fresh green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite of your Hamburger Potato Casserole !
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~18 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7 g |
| Cholesterol | ~60 mg |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1 g |
| Net Carbs | ~21 g |
| Protein | ~18 g |
Note: Values may vary based on brand and exact measurements.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Use thin-sliced potatoes – Ensures even cooking and better browning.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce – It adds deep umami flavor.
- Cover with foil for first half – Helps the potatoes soften without burning the top.
- Let it rest before serving – Keeps layers intact and enhances flavor.
- Double the recipe for batch cooking – Great for freezer meals or potlucks.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Low-Carb Option
Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices or mashed cauliflower mixed with cheese.
Vegetarian Version
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegan soup and cheese.
Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños to the meat layer or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
Mediterranean Style
Swap soup for a mix of Greek yogurt, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheesy Bacon Topping
Add crumbled cooked bacon on top after baking for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes give a slightly sweeter flavor but work well for a twist.
What kind of soup should I use?
Cream of mushroom, onion, or cheddar soup works best. For keto, look for low-carb canned soups or homemade versions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Wrap individual portions tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes .
What sides go well with this casserole?
Great served with:
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Coleslaw (keto-friendly dressing only)
- Dinner rolls or keto bread
- A side salad
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Hamburger Potato Casserole works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The ground beef brings hearty richness and protein power.
- The potatoes soak up the savory juices while crisping up on top.
- And the cheese melts into a golden crust , sealing in flavor and moisture.
It’s the kind of dish that makes eating comfort food feel rewarding—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your casserole beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
In Individual Portions
Use muffin tins to make mini casseroles for portion control.
Over Greens
Spoon onto a bed of kale or arugula for a lighter twist.
With Dipping Sauces
Try ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli for added flair.
At a Party
Cut into squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer-style bites.
As Leftover Bowls
Pair with roasted carrots, zucchini, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced lunch.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:
Ground Beef
Rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins—supports muscle growth and energy levels.
Potatoes
Provide complex carbs, potassium, and fiber—great for endurance and satiety.
Cheese
Good source of calcium and healthy fats—support bone and brain health.
Even though this is a comfort-style dish, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try One-Dish Meal
This Hamburger Potato Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or messy. With its tender meat layer, crispy potato crust, and gooey cheese finish, it’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a family-approved dinner, this casserole deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with family, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.
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Hamburger Potato Casserole – Hearty, Comforting & Perfect for Family Dinners!
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots create comfort.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 pound carrots, cut into thin rounds
1 red onion, minced
1 1/2 to 2 cups hot water
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by peeling, and then dicing, the potatoes into 1/2″ cubes.
Slice the carrots into thin rounds and mince the onion.
Place the ground beef into a stock pot or Dutch oven. (I used my 5-quart pot and it was full to the brim.) and begin cooking it over medium-high heat. Stir to break it into crumbles as you go. You’re looking for a good hard sear on the beef. It should be dark brown, not pale and gray. You will notice bits of it sticking to the bottom of your pot. That’s good, you want that. Without it you will have much less flavor in your casserole.
Season the ground beef, to taste, with salt and pepper. ( I use 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of salt.) and a teaspoon of black pepper. When no pink remains remove it from the skillet and set aside. (I used to skip this step and just add the onions with the ground beef. You’ll see that in the recipe card video. The problem with that is that the moisture from the onions never really allows the beef to properly brown and get a hard sear. It ends up steaming instead of searing and flavor suffers.)
Add the diced onions to the pot in the hamburger grease left behind and continue cooking over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the onions are translucent and soft drain the grease from the pan. I use paper towels to soak it up and then just toss them. It saves clogging the drain with grease.
Add the browned ground beef, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot with the onions.
Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt. That completes the Hamburger Potato Casserole assembly.
Stir to combine the ingredients and continue cooking on medium-high heat, stirring to prevent sticking.
Once the ingredients are sufficiently combined, and the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot with a lid.
Allow the hash/casserole to cook for 5 minutes. Then remove the lid and give it a stir. If most of the liquid seems to have been absorbed, add the last 1/2 cup of water.
Put the lid back on the pan and let the mixture cook another 7 to 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Do one final taste test for seasoning and add salt and/or pepper if needed.
Serve your delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole with steamed broccoli or a house salad and some crusty bread for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 – 12
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g