Here’s a detailed, step-by-step Hamburger Potato Casserole—classic, filling, and easy to customize.
Hamburger Potato Casserole
Servings
6–8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
Meat Layer
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Potato Layer
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4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
(or cream of chicken) -
¾ cup milk
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
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1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions
Step-by-Step Directions
STEP 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Grease dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
STEP 2: Cook the Ground Beef
-
Brown beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until no longer pink. -
Add onion & garlic
Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. -
Season
Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well. -
Drain grease
Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
STEP 3: Prepare the Sauce
-
Mix sauce
In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
STEP 4: Assemble the Casserole
-
First potato layer
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Season lightly with salt and pepper. -
Beef layer
Spread all the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes. -
Second potato layer
Layer remaining potatoes on top. Season again lightly. -
Add sauce
Pour the sauce evenly over everything.
Press down gently so liquid seeps through the layers. -
Cover
Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
STEP 5: Bake
-
First bake (covered)
Bake for 60 minutes, until potatoes are tender. -
Add cheese
Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly on top. -
Final bake (uncovered)
Return to oven and bake 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
STEP 6: Rest and Serve
-
Rest
Let casserole sit 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set. -
Garnish
Sprinkle with parsley or green onions if desired. -
Serve
Serve warm with a green salad or steamed veggies.
Tips for Best Results
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Slice potatoes thin and evenly for full tenderness
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Russet potatoes = classic; Yukon Gold = creamier
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For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms
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Too thick? Add an extra ¼ cup milk
Easy Variations
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Cheesy upgrade: Mix cheese into the sauce too
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Veggie add-in: Peas, corn, or green beans
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Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes
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From scratch sauce: Swap soup for homemade white sauce