Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole – A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Classic
When you’re craving cozy, hearty comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers every single time. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and creamy melted cheese come together to create a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone at the table will love.
This casserole is one of those old-fashioned recipes that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. With everyday pantry ingredients and no complicated steps, this dish proves that comfort doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you grew up with casseroles, you know they’re the definition of comfort food — rich, cozy, and made for sharing. This hamburger potato casserole checks all the boxes:
✅ Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy, just fridge staples.
✅ Creamy & cheesy – Melted cheese and cream sauce bind everything together beautifully.
✅ Customizable – Easily tweak with vegetables, seasonings, or extra toppings.
✅ Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love it!
✅ Freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
This dish feels like something grandma would pull from the oven — bubbling and golden on top, filling the kitchen with that irresistible aroma of home-cooked love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 3–4 medium potatoes)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for color)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn
- ½ teaspoon paprika for color
- ¼ cup grated parmesan for extra cheesiness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half the beef mixture, half the sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are tender — about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess fat and season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
This seasoned beef is the flavorful foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth.
This rich sauce will hold the layers together and give the casserole that luscious, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute with evaporated milk or plain Greek yogurt.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In your prepared baking dish:
- Spread half the sliced potatoes in an even layer.
- Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the layer.
- Sprinkle with ¾ cup shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers: potatoes → beef → sauce → cheese.
Press lightly with the back of a spoon so the sauce spreads through the layers.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve perfect portions.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is rich and comforting all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides like:
- 🥗 Green salad with vinaigrette for a crisp contrast.
- 🥖 Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up that creamy sauce.
- 🥦 Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or peas.
- 🍷 A glass of red wine or iced tea for casual family dinners.
Whether it’s a Sunday meal or a weekday dinner, this casserole brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use thin, even potato slices.
The thinner the potatoes, the faster they’ll cook. A mandoline slicer or sharp knife works best. - Don’t skip the foil.
Covering the casserole traps steam, helping the potatoes cook through before browning the cheese on top. - Pre-cook potatoes (optional).
If you’re short on baking time, boil potato slices for 5 minutes before layering. - Make it your own.
Swap in ground turkey or sausage, add bell peppers, or mix in spinach for a healthier twist. - Let it rest.
Resting prevents the creamy layers from sliding apart when you cut into it.
Variations You’ll Love
- Cheeseburger Casserole: Add diced pickles, ketchup, and mustard to the beef for a cheeseburger-inspired twist.
- Bacon Potato Bake: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
- Loaded Potato Casserole: Top with green onions, sour cream, and extra cheese just before serving.
- Vegetable Boost: Add layers of zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Southwest Version: Use pepper jack cheese and a pinch of chili powder for heat.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
To Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve — add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
To Freeze:
Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
To Store Leftovers:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Why This Recipe Works
Every layer in this casserole brings something special:
- The potatoes provide heartiness and absorb the creamy sauce.
- The beef and onions create depth and savoriness.
- The cheese binds it all together with irresistible gooey richness.
It’s budget-friendly, filling, and endlessly adaptable — exactly what a great casserole should be.
Fun Fact: A Bit of Casserole History
The word casserole comes from a French term meaning “saucepan.” Originally, casseroles referred to any dish cooked in the same vessel it was served in. By the mid-20th century, casseroles became a staple of American comfort food — a delicious, practical way to feed the family with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Nutrition & Dietary Notes
This recipe is a comforting indulgence, but you can lighten it up easily:
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Swap full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add extra vegetables for bulk and nutrients.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to cut calories.
A balanced serving provides protein, calcium, and cozy satisfaction — perfect for cooler nights.
In Summary
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate family dinner: hearty, cheesy, and wonderfully nostalgic. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and that old-fashioned flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Whether it’s a potluck, a weeknight meal, or a make-ahead freezer favorite, this casserole brings everyone together over comfort in a dish.
