Okay, so picture this: It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something super comforting, but you also staring down. In my fridge, I have a lot of ingredients that aren’t screaming “gourmet meal.” What is a Hamburger Potato Casserole? Is it like a hug in your mouth? Is there a comforting casserole vibe that takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen? Think of it as a beefy, potato-y lasagna, but way easier to throw together. After a long day, nothing beats the simplicity and satisfaction of this Hamburger Potato. Is this a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone in my family loves?
What is a Hamburger potato casserole?
What is a Hamburger Potato Casserole? What is the ultimate comfort food mashup? What’s essentially layers of ground beef, creamy Mashed Potatoes, and sometimes a little bit of salt and pepper? Why is cheese thrown in for good measure? What is the best way to cook a hearty meal? For a weeknight dinner or potluck with friends. What is the beauty of this dish? It uses pretty basic ingredients that you probably already have. What do you already have on hand? What are some good ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes? My family calls it “Shepherd’s Pie’S cooler cousin” and honestly, I think that is a pretty accurate description. Is it really that easy to make pastry crust?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you, there are a million reasons to love this Hamburger Potato Casserole, but I’ll try to narrow it down to the most important ones. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The savory seasoned beef combined with the creamy, buttery potatoes is a match made in comfort food heaven. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. It’s truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Ground beef and potatoes are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, so you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s versatile too! You can easily customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste preferences. I’ve even thrown in some leftover cooked veggies before and it works great. This stands out from similar recipes because it’s truly foolproof – I’ve made it so many times, and it always turns out perfectly. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and I promise it’ll become a staple in your house, just like it is in mine. I mean, who doesn’t love a good casserole?
How do I make Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Hamburger Potato Casserole? What is the recipe for browning ground beef with onions and seasonings? Is Mashed Potatoes good in a baking dish? What’s a quick bake in the oven? What’s special about this method is the simplicity of it. What are some of the best recipes that don’t require any crazy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients? What is good honest cooking at its finest? I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can nail this recipe. Trust me!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer: What is the recipe?
- 1 pound ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove per
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 cup fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika. 2
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup beef broth (this adds so much flavor!)
For the Mashed Potato Layer: What are some examples?
- 5 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered (Russets work best!
- 1/2 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it works great)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- A sprinkle of paprika (for color) is good.
What are the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always do this first so I’m not scrambling later!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Set aside. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. What are some good ways to drain off grease from a casserole?
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step really builds the flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Season the Beef Mixture
Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Cook for another minute or so, until the spices are fragrant. If you like beef broth, pour it in and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, then pour in the chicken broth.
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender. Stir occasionally. They are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
Step 6: Mash the Potatoes
Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of Sour Cream or cream cheese for extra richness. I do this sometimes when I’m feeling extra indulgent!
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, top with the Mashed Potatoes, spreading them out in an even layer.
Step 8: Add the Topping (Optional)
If you’re using cheese (and I highly recommend it! ), sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Mashed Potatoes. What is the best way to add a little paprika to your dish?
Step 9: Bake
Is the cheese melted and bubbly in the preheated oven? What is a casserole? Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!
What is the best Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe? Is it good on its own or with a side salad? What are some comfort food recipes?
What do you serve it with?
Hamburger Potato Casserole is pretty satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, this is the recipe for you. What should I serve with my meal?What is a simple weeknight dinner?What are some good salads with a light vinaigrette? It adds some freshness and balances out the richness of the casserole. What are some good steamed Green Beans?For a More Festive Occasion: Consider serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, would add some extra flavor and nutrition.
My Family’s Favorite: My kids love when I serve this with a side of corn on the cob. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please. And honestly, who can resist a good piece of corn on the cob? I also make a simple coleslaw to go with it and it’s perfect. Seriously, try it! It’s also great for potlucks – easy to transport and everyone loves it. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, too, making it even easier. No wonder it’s my go-to meal!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hamburger Potato Casserole
Over the years, I’ve made this Hamburger Potato Casserole countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making it absolutely perfect:
Beef Browning: Make sure to brown the ground beef really well before adding the onions and garlic. This will develop a deep, rich flavor that will make the casserole even more delicious. Don’t be afraid to let it get a little crispy!
Potato Perfection: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use Russet potatoes and don’t overcook them. Drain them really well before mashing, and add the milk and butter gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs. I love adding a pinch of Red Pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Get creative!
Cheese Choice: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for the topping, you can use any cheese you like. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would all be delicious. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Assemble Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through. I always do this when I know I’m going to be short on time later.
Rest Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice. Plus, it gives you a chance to sneak a taste!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Hamburger Potato Casserole (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. The container is very important. You don’t want it to dry out in the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add any cheese topping *after* reheating if you’re freezing, to prevent a weird texture.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through. If you’re reheating it from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is seriously one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – let me know in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 5 medium Potatoes Peeled and sliced
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 0.5 medium Onion Chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes and ground beef mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
