When it comes to old-school comfort food, few dishes satisfy quite like a Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s that quintessential American dinner—hearty, creamy, cheesy, and made with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich mushroom cream sauce. One bite in, and you’ll be transported to a cozy kitchen table, where seconds are expected and leftovers rarely survive the next day.
I first made this casserole on a rainy weekend when I needed something warm, filling, and family-approved. The result was an instant hit—layers of golden Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey Colby Jack cheese, all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you why casseroles became such a staple in American homes—they’re simple, hearty, and always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of meat-and-potato meals, this casserole delivers everything you want in a dinner—comfort, flavor, and ease.
- Perfectly seasoned ground beef
- Tender, buttery Yukon gold potatoes
- Rich, creamy mushroom sauce
- Cheesy top layer with melty Colby Jack
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing dinner to a potluck, this one’s always a winner.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes (about 8–9 medium), thinly sliced
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs lean ground beef
- Onion: 1 cup sweet yellow onion, finely diced
- Garlic: 1 tbsp minced
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 10.5 oz (Great Value or preferred brand)
- Half and Half: 1 cup
- Onion Powder: 1 tbsp
- Kosher Salt: 1½ tsp
- Black Pepper: 1 tsp, freshly cracked
- Colby Jack Cheese: 3 cups, freshly shredded and divided
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn for extra texture
- Dash of cayenne or paprika for heat
- Swap in cream of celery or cream of chicken soup
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large knife and cutting board
- Mandoline or sharp slicer
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan or Dutch oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Cheese grater (if shredding from a block)
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Thinly slice your Yukon gold potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick). Immediately submerge them in cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to break up the meat and ensure even browning. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Drain the potato slices and start layering:
- Add ⅓ of the potatoes to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top with ⅓ of the ground beef mixture.
- Sprinkle with ¾ cup of shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with ⅓ of the cream sauce.
Repeat the process two more times, using up the remaining ingredients. For the top layer, use 1½ cups of cheese to cover the casserole completely.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving much easier.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Even Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking.
- Cheese Choices: Colby Jack is creamy and flavorful, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work well too.
- Make It Meatier: Add crumbled bacon or diced ham to the beef for more protein.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle panko or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking for added crunch.
- Lighten It Up: Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but here are a few sides to round it out:
- Green Beans or Steamed Broccoli: Add some freshness
- Garden Salad: A crisp contrast to the creamy layers
- Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread: Because extra carbs are always welcome
- Pickles or Relish Tray: A tangy bite cuts through the richness
It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, busy weeknights, or even holiday potlucks.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk or cream to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It brings together everything we love—meat, potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce—into one oven-baked masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping for a cozy weeknight, or just looking for a no-fail meal that everyone will devour, this casserole won’t disappoint.
It’s deeply nostalgic, highly satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—because some dinners just don’t go out of style.
Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes about 8–9 medium, thinly sliced
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs lean ground beef
- Onion: 1 cup sweet yellow onion finely diced
- Garlic: 1 tbsp minced
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 10.5 oz Great Value or preferred brand
- Half and Half: 1 cup
- Onion Powder: 1 tbsp
- Kosher Salt: 1½ tsp
- Black Pepper: 1 tsp freshly cracked
- Colby Jack Cheese: 3 cups freshly shredded and divided
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn for extra texture
- Dash of cayenne or paprika for heat
- Swap in cream of celery or cream of chicken soup
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Thinly slice your Yukon gold potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick). Immediately submerge them in cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to break up the meat and ensure even browning. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Drain the potato slices and start layering:
- Add ⅓ of the potatoes to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top with ⅓ of the ground beef mixture.
- Sprinkle with ¾ cup of shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with ⅓ of the cream sauce.
- Repeat the process two more times, using up the remaining ingredients. For the top layer, use 1½ cups of cheese to cover the casserole completely.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving much easier.
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