Okay, so picture this: it’s a chilly weeknight, everyone’s starving, and you just want something that feels like a big, warm hug in a dish. That’s where this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole comes in! Honestly, this recipe is my go-to when I need something comforting, filling, and ridiculously simple. It’s been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years, and my family practically cheers when they hear it’s on the menu.
There’s just something about layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy soup that hits all the right spots. Plus, the cheese on top? *Chef’s kiss!* It’s one of those reliable, no-fuss meals that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something truly delicious. Trust me, I’ve whipped up my fair share of quick dinners, and this one? It’s a consistent winner every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Seriously, this casserole is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll probably fall in love with it, just like my family has:
- It’s ridiculously quick to prep – we’re talking minutes here!
- The ingredients are super simple, probably stuff you already have.
- It tastes like pure comfort food, warm and satisfying.
- Kids adore it, which is always a major win in my book!
- It’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
See? Easy peasy and totally delicious!
Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the “easy” part really shines. You don’t need anything fancy for this deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- 1 pound ground beef (the star!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds great flavor)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (the creamy binder!)
- 1/2 cup milk (helps make it smooth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (basic seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just a little kick)
- 4 cups sliced potatoes (I like about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that glorious topping!)
That’s it! See? Simple stuff.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a ton of special gadgets for this one, which is another reason I love it! Here’s what you’ll want handy:
- A large skillet (for browning the meat)
- A 9×13 inch baking dish (the perfect size for this casserole)
- A good knife and cutting board (for chopping and slicing)
- A mixing spoon (to stir everything together)
- Measuring cups and spoons (to keep things just right)
Pretty standard kitchen stuff, right?
Preparing Your Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is the fun part where everything comes together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy casserole ready to go into the oven in no time.
First things first, preheat that oven to 375°F (that’s 190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your large skillet and brown your ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Just cook it until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat – nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Once your meat is browned and drained, stir in the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, the milk, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is combined and looks nice and creamy. This is your delicious sauce!
Now, for the layering! Grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by arranging about half of your sliced potatoes in a single layer on the bottom. Try to get them fairly even so they cook nicely. Next, spoon about half of your meat and soup mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Repeat those layers! Add the remaining sliced potatoes over the meat mixture, and then spread the rest of the meat and soup mixture on top. You’re building a flavor tower here!
Cover the dish tightly with foil. This helps steam the potatoes so they get nice and tender. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, carefully take the casserole out of the oven (watch out for that steam!). Remove the foil and sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Put it back in the oven, uncovered this time, for about 15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender. You can poke a potato slice with a fork to check. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for happy faces!
Tips for Perfect Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
So, you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole extra special. Trust me, these small things make a big difference!
When you’re browning the ground beef, make sure you get it nicely browned, not just cooked through. Those little browned bits add so much flavor! And really take the time to drain the fat well. Nobody wants a greasy casserole, right?
For the potatoes, try to slice them as evenly as possible, about 1/4 inch thick is usually perfect. This helps them all cook at the same rate. And don’t skimp on covering it for the first part of baking! That steam is key to getting those potatoes nice and tender before you add the cheese.
Finally, don’t be afraid to give a potato slice a little poke with a fork towards the end of baking to make sure they’re soft. That’s the real test!
Variations for Your Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Okay, while this casserole is perfect as is, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to play around a bit. You could totally toss in a can of drained corn or peas with the meat mixture for some added veggies and color. Or, instead of just cheddar, try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even some pepper jack for a little heat! It’s your kitchen, go wild!
Storing and Reheating Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can scoop out individual portions and microwave them until heated through. Or, for the best texture (and if you have a larger amount), put it back in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm it up in a 350°F oven until it’s hot all the way through. Easy peasy!
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole FAQs
Got questions about making this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve probably asked myself the same things over the years! Here are some common questions and my best answers:
Q: Can I make this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely (without baking it) and cover it tightly. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the initial covered baking time since it will be cold when it goes into the oven.
Q: What kind of potatoes work best?
A: I usually use Russet potatoes because they’re easy to find and slice well. Just make sure they’re sliced evenly! You could probably get away with using Yukon Gold too.
Q: Can I use different types of condensed soup?
A: Absolutely! Cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup would work in this hamburger potato casserole. It might change the flavor slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Q: My potatoes aren’t getting tender. What can I do?
A: Make sure you’re covering the casserole tightly for the first part of baking – that traps the steam needed to cook the potatoes. Also, check that your potato slices aren’t too thick. If they’re still a bit firm after the initial 45 minutes, you can cover it back up and bake for another 10-15 minutes before adding the cheese.
About the Nutrition of This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Okay, so full disclosure, I’m not a nutritionist! The exact nutritional info for this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole will totally depend on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I haven’t calculated the precise values here, so keep that in mind!
Print
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: 1 Dish Wonder
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy casserole with hamburger, potatoes, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef with onion in a large skillet. Drain fat.
- Stir in soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half the potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half the meat mixture over potatoes.
- Repeat layers.
- Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes more, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can use other vegetables like corn or peas.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hamburger, Potato, Casserole, Easy, Dinner