Name: Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional); 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup); 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1 tbsp butter (for greasing or dotting on top); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. I love how simple it is to make with everyday ingredients, yet it turns out hearty, rich, and completely satisfying. It’s a classic family favorite that feels like a warm hug in a dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy, comforting, and budget-friendly. It uses ingredients I almost always have on hand — ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy base — and it feeds the whole family with minimal effort. The layers bake together beautifully, so every bite has a little of everything: creamy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time I want something cozy and filling. Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lean ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced (optional)
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese I prefer)
Salt and black pepper
Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
Butter (for greasing the dish or dotting on top)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. I drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a bowl, I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
I spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
I layer half of the cooked beef mixture on top, then pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
I repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
I remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
I let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley if I like.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake — so in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, I have a warm, comforting casserole ready to serve.

Variations

I sometimes use cream of celery or cream of cheddar soup for a different flavor.
For extra vegetables, I add sliced mushrooms, peas, or corn between the layers.
I love using ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a lighter or spicier version.
To make it extra creamy, I stir a bit of sour cream into the soup mixture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the microwave or bake the whole dish, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months — I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it the same way. Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

FAQs

Can I slice the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, but I keep them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning, then pat them dry before layering.

Can I use raw ground beef?

I prefer browning it first for better flavor and texture, but if I’m short on time, I can layer it raw — it will cook through during baking.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes bake up soft and creamy, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better. Both work great depending on my texture preference.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. I bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding 10 minutes to the bake time.

Can I make this without condensed soup?

Definitely. I make a quick homemade sauce using butter, flour, milk, and broth for a from-scratch version.

Conclusion

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is one of my favorite comfort meals — simple, hearty, and full of flavor. I love how the creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory beef come together for a dish that feels like home. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough for Sunday dinner, and it always leaves everyone full and happy.