This Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and easy to make ahead—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With just a handful of ingredients, this classic casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a go-to recipe for potlucks or anytime you need a warm, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.

3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the beef and onion mixture.

4. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour half of the mixture over the layers.

5. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Nutrients

Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 700mg

Why This Casserole is a Family Favorite

Hamburger Potato Casserole earns its place in countless kitchens because it’s the kind of dish that checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, requiring just a few staple ingredients. It’s also kid-approved, thanks to its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can make it ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

The recipe works wonderfully for families of all sizes, whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s also easily doubled for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prepping.

The Comfort of Simple Ingredients

One of the key reasons this casserole is so popular is its reliance on simple, everyday ingredients. Ground beef and potatoes form the base of the dish—humble, hearty, and always reliable. Add a can of cream of mushroom soup and some milk, and you’ve got a creamy, savory binder that transforms the casserole into something extraordinary. And of course, cheddar cheese ties it all together with its gooey, golden finish.

These ingredients are pantry and fridge staples for most households, making this an easy go-to recipe when you’re not sure what to make for dinner. And because the flavors are mild and familiar, it appeals to a wide range of palates.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Leftovers

One of the biggest advantages of this casserole is how well it lends itself to make-ahead meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish the night before, store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it the next day. This makes dinnertime stress-free—especially helpful during busy weekdays.

Leftovers also reheat beautifully. Just cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven, or microwave individual portions for a quick lunch. The potatoes remain tender, and the flavors deepen after sitting overnight. It’s also freezer-friendly: just assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

Customize Your Casserole with Variations

Though the classic version is already a hit, you can absolutely get creative with this dish. Try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra veggies. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery, depending on what you have on hand or your personal flavor preference.

For a bit of heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar. And if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef. Adding a layer of breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions on top before the final bake also adds a nice crunch and flavor boost.

A One-Dish Wonder for Every Occasion

The beauty of Hamburger Potato Casserole lies in its versatility. It’s equally perfect for a weeknight meal as it is for a holiday side dish or a potluck contribution. You can serve it as a main dish paired with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, or offer it alongside other comfort food favorites like corn casserole or garlic bread.

Its rich, creamy texture and hearty components make it ideal for colder months when you want something that sticks to your ribs. But honestly, this dish knows no season—it’s just as satisfying in spring or summer when you need an easy, crowd-pleasing option.

Nutritional Information and Balanced Serving Tips

Each serving of this casserole provides a well-rounded mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. With about 450 calories per serving and 25 grams of protein, it can be a filling meal on its own. To make it even more balanced, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to bring in more fiber and nutrients.

You can also lighten up the dish by using reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium soup, or leaner meat. Using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes can add a unique flavor twist along with more vitamins and antioxidants. And for those watching their sodium intake, seasoning the dish with herbs instead of salt can enhance the taste without increasing the sodium count.

A Dish that Brings People Together

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a baked casserole. It’s the type of meal that evokes memories of Sunday dinners, childhood gatherings, and cozy evenings at home. Hamburger Potato Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that transcends generations—it’s been passed down from grandmothers to parents and now finds its place in modern kitchens everywhere.

It’s not just about the ingredients or the method. It’s about the feeling it gives: warm, comforting, satisfying. It’s about sitting down at the dinner table, sharing stories, and enjoying good food with the people you love. That’s what makes this casserole special—it’s not just a recipe, it’s an experience.

Conclusion: The Go-To Casserole You’ll Make Again and Again

Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition of classic comfort food. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. Whether you’re preparing it for a regular weeknight dinner, bringing it to a family gathering, or freezing it for later, this casserole proves to be reliable, customizable, and absolutely delicious.

Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and tender potatoes combined with savory ground beef make it a hearty meal that satisfies both the appetite and the soul. And because it’s so easy to make, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying what matters most—family, connection, and great food.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this Hamburger Potato Casserole a try. It’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in so many others.