Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Picture this: It’s 5:45 PM on a Wednesday. The kids are hangry, the dog is barking at nothing, and I’m still wearing my work clothes while staring blankly into the fridge. That’s when this hamburger potato casserole became my saving grace. Twenty minutes of throwing stuff together, an hour in the oven, and suddenly I’m getting requests for seconds instead of complaints.

Why This Casserole is My Go-To

• Uses pantry staples (no emergency grocery runs required)
• Only dirties one dish (bless the baking dish gods)
• Makes great leftovers (hello, lunch tomorrow)
• Tastes like childhood comfort (but fancier than mom used to make)

Grocery List for the Time-Crunched

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey if we’re pretending to be healthy)
• 4-5 potatoes (any kind – I’ve used everything from russets to sweet potatoes)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (store brand works perfectly)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, whatever’s on sale)
• 1 onion (optional if you have onion-haters in the house)
• Basic seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder – the holy trinity)

How to Make It Without Losing Your Mind

1. Brown the meat in a skillet (or microwave it if you’re really pressed for time – no judgment)
2. Slice potatoes (peeling optional – I never bother)
3. Layer it all in a 9×13 dish:
   • Potatoes on bottom
   • Cooked meat next
   • Soup glopped on top (mix with a little milk if it’s too thick)
   • Generous cheese blanket (the more the better)
4. Bake at 350°F for about an hour (perfect time to help with homework or scroll Instagram)

Pro Tip: If it looks dry, splash in some broth or milk. Too wet? Bake it longer. This recipe is as forgiving as grandma.

Real-Life Casserole Hacks

• Forgot to thaw meat? Use frozen crumbles – just brown them longer
• No cream soup? Mix a packet of gravy mix with sour cream
• Kids complaining? Let them sprinkle the cheese – instant buy-in
• Short on time? Par-cook the potatoes in the microwave first

Why This Dish is Legendary in My House

This casserole has:

• Survived three moves and two kitchen remodels
• Been my most requested potluck contribution
• Made me look like I actually meal plan (I don’t)
• Become my emergency “forgot it was my turn to host” dish

It’s the cooking equivalent of that one pair of jeans that somehow still fits perfectly – reliable, comfortable, and always makes you look good. Now go make some memories (and maybe double the recipe – it disappears fast).

hamburger potato casserole

Making the perfect hamburger potato casserole needs careful planning and the right tools. This recipe card will help you through each step. It ensures a tasty meal that warms your dinner table.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 large potatoes sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Brown ground beef in skillet
3. Layer sliced potatoes in baking dish
4. Add browned beef over potatoes
5. Pour soup and sprinkle cheese
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes
7. Ingredient Substitutions