Cozy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Chilly Nights

Ground beef and creamy potatoes meld together in this irresistible hamburger potato casserole that turns simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Layers of tender potatoes and seasoned meat create a satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

The blend of cheese, herbs, and hearty proteins makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Families appreciate how quickly the casserole comes together with minimal preparation.

Each forkful delivers rich, savory flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this classic, no-fuss recipe that promises to become a household favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is it necessary to brown the ground beef beforehand?

Absolutely. Pre-cooking the ground beef ensures food safety and removes excess fat, improving the overall flavor and texture of the casserole.

• Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

You can adapt the recipe for an oven. Bake in a greased casserole dish at 350°F for about 1-1.5 hours, covering with foil to prevent burning.

• What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well as alternatives. You can also use homemade white sauce if you prefer a from-scratch approach.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Hamburger Casserole Ingredient List

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy spuds perfect for creating hearty base with creamy texture and robust flavor. Choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
• Yellow Onions: Adds sweet, caramelized undertones and depth to the casserole. Select firm onions with smooth, papery skin.

• Ground Beef: Delivers rich, meaty flavor and substantial protein punch. Select lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creamy, velvety consistency and earthy undertones. Pick low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, cohesive sauce and softens potato layers. Whole milk recommended for richer taste.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding tangy, gooey goodness. Select sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and adds subtle richness to casserole's edges.

Tools That Help You Prep Comfort Food Fast

• Crockpot: Essential large slow cooker for making the entire casserole.
• Skillet: Used for browning ground beef before layering in the casserole.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice potatoes and onions evenly.
• Cutting board: Perfect surface for slicing vegetables safely.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine soup and milk mixture smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring soup mixture and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Ideal for shredding cheese if using block cheese.
• Measuring cup: Ensures accurate milk measurement for soup mixture.

How to Layer Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Prepare the Crockpot

Grab your crockpot and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to keep everything from sticking around.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s completely cooked through and looking deliciously golden.

• Create Tasty Layers

Start building your flavor tower by placing potato slices at the bottom, then add a blanket of onions, top with the browned beef, and sprinkle a generous handful of cheese. Keep stacking these layers until you run out of ingredients.

• Mix the Creamy Sauce

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

• Pour and Cook

Drizzle the creamy mixture all over your layered masterpiece, making sure everything gets a nice coating. Pop the lid on and let your crockpot work its – low and slow for 6-8 hours or faster on high for 3-4 hours.

• Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling with excitement, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips That Make This Dish Even Cozier

• Tips to Elevate Your Crockpot Casserole
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish. Soaking potato slices in cold water for 15 minutes can remove excess starch and help them crisp up better.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version. Experiment with different meat seasonings like taco blend or Italian herbs to change the flavor profile.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create a more complex flavor. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese or sprinkle smaller amounts of more flavorful cheeses.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnip slices for a keto-friendly alternative. This substitution maintains the casserole's creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and substitute cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative. Top with nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor that works for dairy-sensitive diners.

Serve Hamburger Casserole Hot and Hearty

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad topped with ranch dressing for a balanced meal that adds fresh, crunchy texture.
• Comfort Food Sidekick: Serve alongside tangy coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the cheesy potato and beef layers.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform leftovers into a morning delight by topping with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chives for an extra protein boost and gourmet touch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Storing It Right for Leftover Magic

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Portion casserole into individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months when protected from freezer burn.
• Thaw refrigerated casserole overnight in the fridge. Warm in microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Prepare casserole ingredients ahead of time. Brown ground beef and slice potatoes in advance, storing separately in refrigerator. This reduces cooking time and makes weeknight dinners stress-free and quick to assemble.

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort with ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese layers. Midwest home cooks cherish this simple, satisfying dish that warms souls and pleases families with its straightforward ingredients.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 3 cups (720 ml) potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease the slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray to facilitate easy serving and cleaning.
2. Foundation Layer: Create a uniform base of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Distribute finely chopped onions evenly over the potato layer to infuse depth of flavor.
4. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, developing a rich caramelized exterior and eliminating any pink coloration.
5. Layering Process: Construct alternating layers of potatoes, onions, browned beef, and shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution and concluding with a generous cheese topping.
6. Sauce Creation: Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk, whisking until smooth and seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Liquid Integration: Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and moisture distribution.
8. Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize.
9. Resting and Serving: After cooking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve hot alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Potato Slicing Technique: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly thin, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Beef Browning Tip: Drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and enhance the overall flavor concentration.
• Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose a medium-sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses for maximum flavor complexity and optimal melting properties.
• Moisture Management: Avoid using watery potatoes by patting sliced potatoes dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid accumulation in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg