If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef cooked with sweet onions, and a luscious combination of creamy mushroom and celery soups. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will quickly make it a beloved dish in your home. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, it’s one of those go-to meals that impresses every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe, you only need basic ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, but each one adds something special. From the ground beef’s rich savoriness to the creamy soups that tie everything together, every component plays a crucial role in creating this comforting classic.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds savory depth and satisfying texture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and aromatic flavor when sautéed.
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes: The starchy, tender layers that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy earthiness and moisture to the casserole.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup: Adds a subtle celery flavor and enhances creaminess.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the texture of the soup mixture for luscious baking results.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The golden, gooey topping that makes the casserole irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and ensuring rich flavor.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese topping melts beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about five minutes. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness, giving the casserole a flavorful base.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the onions and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink and has a nice browned crust. If there’s excess fat, drain it off so your casserole won’t be greasy but will still be rich and hearty.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will tie the whole dish together, creating that luscious, comforting texture you love.
Step 5: Layer the Potatoes
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. This creates the perfect starchy foundation for your hamburger potato casserole recipe.
Step 6: Add Ground Beef Layer
Spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. This savory layer ensures every bite has meaty goodness.
Step 7: Pour Half the Cream Sauce
Drizzle half of the soup mixture over the ground beef, letting it seep into the potatoes for rich moisture and flavor.
Step 8: Repeat Layers
Layer the remaining potatoes followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture, then pour the remaining soup mixture evenly over the top. This layered approach guarantees each slice is bursting with flavor.
Step 9: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it for one hour. This slow bake helps tenderize the potatoes and allows all the flavors to marry perfectly.
Step 10: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole’s surface. Return it to the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns deliciously golden brown.
Step 11: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve while still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. Roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber salad bring refreshing textures that complement every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve option, perfect for dinner parties. You can also top with sliced jalapeños or crispy bacon bits to add your own twist and excite your guests’ taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps its flavor and texture well, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
This Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble it as instructed but do not bake before freezing. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm single servings in the microwave or reheat a larger portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. Adding a little shredded cheese on top before reheating can revive that delicious melty topping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda to tailor the casserole to your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Check that your cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups are gluten-free or use homemade alternatives. Also, ensure any other ingredients you use do not contain gluten to keep it safe.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and become tender within the baking time, melding perfectly with the beef and creamy sauce.
Can I substitute ground beef for another protein?
Definitely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be used as great alternatives if you prefer something lighter or meat-free.
Do I need to thaw the casserole before baking if frozen?
You can bake it straight from the freezer. Just add about 15-20 minutes extra baking time and keep it covered initially to ensure even cooking and avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe has a way of turning simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that feels special any day of the week. Once you try this recipe, I’m confident it will become a staple in your meal rotation, offering warmth, comfort, and a wonderful burst of flavor every time you serve it. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 15m
- Total Time: 1h 35m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed ground beef with onions, and a creamy mushroom and celery soup mixture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
Soup Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Mix Soup Base: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, salt, and black pepper to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Layer Potatoes: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom, forming the first base layer of the casserole.
- Add Beef Layer: Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer for a balanced meat layer.
- Pour Soup Mixture: Pour half of the prepared soup mixture evenly over the beef to bind the layers and add creaminess.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sliced potatoes as the next layer, followed by the leftover ground beef mixture, then pour the remaining soup mixture evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and better flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, use uniformly thin slices of potatoes.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom and celery soups with homemade versions for a fresher taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor.
