Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Introduction

If you’re looking for an effortless yet satisfying dinner, look no further than Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and gooey cheddar cheese. Not only is it simple to make, but it also offers the kind of hearty, comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this casserole is a classic that never disappoints.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish promises both convenience and taste. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a fulfilling meal that will warm you up inside and out.

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💡 Reasons to Love This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here are just a few reasons this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole continues to be a favorite:

• One-Pan Wonder – No need for multiple pots or pans. Everything comes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.

• Satisfying & Hearty – Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese come together to create a fulfilling meal that will keep you full and content.

• Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this dish, with its familiar flavors and comforting textures.

• Quick & Easy – With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.

• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients that don’t break the bank.

• Endless Customizations – You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Whether you’re making this dish for a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s a winner every time.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef – Browned to form the savory base.

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and richness.

• ¾ cup milk – Thins out the soup for a smooth consistency.

• ½ cup chopped onion – For added flavor and texture.

• Salt and ground black pepper – To season to taste.

• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes – The heart of the dish, providing structure and comfort.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a gooey, melty topping.

Pro Tip: Slice the potatoes as thinly as possible for even cooking. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices.

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🌀 Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable! Here are some ideas for ingredient swaps and additions:

• Cheese options – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

• Vegetables – Add frozen peas, green beans, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.

• Soup alternatives – Try swapping the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce.

• Seasoning tweaks – Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Add a bit of chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Protein variations – Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.

By adding or substituting ingredients, you can personalize this casserole to your taste or dietary needs.

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🔧 Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large skillet – For browning the ground beef.

• Medium mixing bowl – For combining the soup and milk.

• 2-quart casserole dish – To layer and bake the casserole.

• Mandoline or sharp knife – For slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the beef and soup mixture.

These simple tools will make preparing the casserole a breeze.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done assembling the casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until it’s browned and crumbly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup Mixture

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, ¾ cup of milk, ½ cup chopped onion, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Follow with a layer of the soup mixture, then a layer of the browned ground beef. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up. The top layer should be the soup mixture to keep everything moist during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. This will give the potatoes time to soften and cook through.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the casserole has baked, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

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🍽 What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here are some perfect side dishes to accompany your Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• Steamed vegetables – Green beans, broccoli, or carrots provide a refreshing contrast.

• Garden salad – A light salad with vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole.

• Garlic bread – A buttery loaf for sopping up the creamy sauce.

• Applesauce – Sweet and tart applesauce pairs wonderfully with this savory dish.

These sides complement the casserole and elevate your meal.

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🧊 How to Store Hamburger Potato Casserole

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool before covering and refrigerating for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

This dish actually improves with time, making it a great choice for meal prep.

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❄️ Can I Freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully:

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

• Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until hot.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash browns work well in this dish, though fresh potatoes provide a better texture.

What if I don’t like mushrooms?
No problem! You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce.

Can I add garlic or spices?
Definitely! Garlic, paprika, and other spices can be added to enhance the flavor.

How thin should the potatoes be sliced?
Aim for 1/8-inch thick slices to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.

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🔗 Two Recommended Resources

• How to Make Casseroles Like a Pro

• Top Comfort Food Side Dishes

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📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These values are estimates and may vary depending on substitutions.

 Conclusion

With its easy preparation and comforting ingredients, Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner tonight or freezing it for later, this casserole is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy!

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