Looking for a simple, hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than this Hamburger & Potato Casserole. Combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is the definition of comfort food. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this casserole is quick to prepare, delicious, and packed with flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

The great thing about this casserole is that it requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef: The base of the casserole, ground beef adds protein and flavor to the dish. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or opt for regular for a bit more richness.
4 large russet potatoes: Peeled and sliced, these potatoes form the hearty base of the casserole. Their starchiness helps absorb the flavors and gives the dish that comforting texture.
1 can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy soup adds moisture and depth to the casserole, binding all the ingredients together.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that golden, melty finish, shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top to create a gooey, flavorful layer.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and ground beef.

Preparation for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Preheat the Oven

Before you get started on assembling the casserole, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up into smaller crumbles using a spoon or spatula. This will ensure that the beef cooks evenly and becomes nice and browned. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid the casserole becoming too greasy.

Season the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt. This simple seasoning step enhances the beef’s natural flavors and adds a savory element that ties everything together. Stir the beef to make sure the salt is evenly distributed.

Assemble the Casserole

Once your ground beef is cooked and seasoned, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by layering the sliced russet potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Be sure to arrange them evenly, so each bite will have some of that soft, tender potato goodness.

Next, top the potatoes with the cooked and seasoned ground beef. Spread the beef evenly across the layer of potatoes, ensuring that every part of the dish is covered. This will create a savory base for the creamy mushroom soup.

Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef. Spread it out evenly with a spoon, making sure that it covers the entire casserole. The cream of mushroom soup will be baked into the potatoes and beef, adding a creamy texture that melds all the flavors together.

Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This will melt into the soup and beef, creating a golden, bubbly topping that everyone will love. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed across the top for that perfect gooey finish.

Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. The foil helps trap moisture, ensuring that the potatoes cook properly and become tender.

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender. The uncovered baking time allows the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy, giving the casserole that irresistible crust.

Serve the Casserole

Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to settle. Slice it into generous portions, and serve it hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Before you dive into this delicious casserole, here’s a look at the nutritional value per serving:

Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g

This casserole is a good source of protein, thanks to the ground beef, and provides a comforting balance of carbohydrates from the potatoes. The cheese adds richness and flavor, making it an indulgent yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the best things about this casserole is that it uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You don’t need to spend hours shopping for exotic spices or hard-to-find products. This recipe is straightforward and budget-friendly while still delivering tons of flavor.

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines meat, potatoes, and cheese. This casserole has all the elements of classic comfort food, with the creaminess of the soup, the richness of the beef, and the melted cheese on top. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up and makes you feel cozy from the inside out.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When you’re juggling work, school, and family commitments, finding time to cook can be a challenge. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of attention while it’s baking. Plus, it makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy a hearty meal the next day with minimal effort.

Customizable for Your Taste

While this casserole is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. For example, if you prefer a different kind of cheese, you can swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses. You can also add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or peas to add extra flavor and nutrition.

Great for Meal Prep

This casserole is also a great option for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat. It holds up well and can even be frozen for later use, making it a versatile dish that works for your busy schedule.

FAQs About Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?

While russet potatoes are ideal for casseroles like this, you can certainly substitute them with other types of potatoes if needed. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and have a slightly different texture, but they will still cook nicely and complement the dish.

Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply follow the baking instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

How Can I Make This Casserole Healthier?

If you’re looking for a healthier version of this casserole, you can make a few simple substitutions. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce the fat content. You can also opt for a low-fat cream of mushroom soup and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

How Do I Know When the Casserole is Done?

To check if the casserole is done, poke a fork into the potatoes to ensure they are tender. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the casserole should be golden brown on top. If the potatoes are not fully cooked, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

Can I Freeze Hamburger & Potato Casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

This Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress your guests, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of delicious ingredients that everyone will love. So why not give it a try tonight? Your family is sure to ask for seconds!

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out these other comforting favorites:

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!

Hamburger & Potato Casserole – Simple, Hearty, and Delicious!

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a hearty, delicious dish made with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt and stir to combine.
Assemble the Casserole: Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked ground beef, spreading it evenly over the potatoes. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Serve this hearty casserole hot and enjoy the simple yet satisfying flavors!

Notes

You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the beef mixture.
You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Beef
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Hamburger & Potato Casserole, Ground beef casserole, Cheesy potato casserole, Hearty hamburger casserole, Beef and potato bake, Simple casserole recipe