Hamburger Potato Casserole (Easy Family Favorite)

Hamburger Potato Casserole is that classic, stick-to-your-ribs comfort meal that feels like a Sunday dinner but is easy enough for a busy Wednesday night. Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes, juicy seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and a blanket of bubbling golden cheese — all baked together in one cozy dish.

As a mom and recipe developer cooking for a hungry crew, I love dinners that use pantry staples, don’t make a huge mess, and still feel special. This hamburger and potato casserole checks every box: it’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. No canned soup required — just real ingredients, plus a quick homemade sauce that tastes like you worked way harder than you did.

From start to finish, this meal takes about 1 hour, with only 20 minutes of hands-on time. The oven does the rest. Once it comes out, you’ve got a full meal in one pan: protein, potatoes, and plenty of flavor. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies and dinner is done.

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy casserole that makes everyone at the table happy (and gives you leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch), this Hamburger Potato Casserole is about to become a regular in your rotation. Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Be Obsessed With This Hamburger Potato Casserole

• One-pan dinner: Protein, potatoes, and cheese all baked together in a single casserole dish.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses ground beef, potatoes, onions, and a few pantry staples.
• Family-friendly flavors: Mild, cheesy, and comforting — picky eaters usually love it.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake later or reheat leftovers beautifully.
• Customizable: Easy to add veggies, swap the cheese, or tweak the seasoning to your taste.
• Cozy comfort food: Feels like a hug in a pan, especially on chilly nights.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for this cheesy ground beef and potato casserole. Simple ingredients, big flavor.

For the Casserole Base

• 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8–1/4 inch)
• 1 pound ground beef (80–90% lean hamburger)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for a little depth)

For the Cheesy Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack blend)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tip: If you’re new to working with fresh garlic, check out our guide on how to mince garlic like a pro.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole every time.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Step 01 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.

Step 2: Brown the Hamburger

Step 02 Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed.

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes more, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Step 03 In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.

Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, whisking, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Hamburger

Step 04 Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Spoon half of the cooked hamburger mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and hamburger to create two layers.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Step 05 Pour the warm creamy sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and hamburger, letting it seep down between the layers. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Step 06 Bake, covered, for about 35 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Step 07 Let the Hamburger Potato Casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up so you can scoop neat portions. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store cooled Hamburger Potato Casserole in an airtight container (or cover the baking dish tightly) for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing (unbaked): Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes if needed.
• Freezing (baked): Cool completely, wrap portions well, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
• Meal prep tip: Brown the hamburger and chop the onion ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 days, so assembly is extra quick.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Different meat: Swap hamburger for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
• Veggie boost: Add a layer of thinly sliced carrots or frozen peas and corn between the hamburger and potatoes.
• Cheese twist: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, or add a little pepper jack for a gentle kick.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour in the sauce.
• Dairy-light version: Use reduced-fat milk and a smaller amount of cheese; the casserole will still be comforting and flavorful.
• Extra smoky: Add a bit of smoked paprika or crumbled cooked bacon on top before baking uncovered.

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the plate, but a few simple sides make it feel like a complete feast.

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for extra veggies.
• Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side are perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

For more ideas, check out our easy side dish recipes and quick salad recipes on 3recipes.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Origins

While there isn’t one single official origin story for Hamburger Potato Casserole, it fits squarely into the tradition of American comfort casseroles that grew popular in the mid-20th century. Home cooks needed hearty, affordable meals that could stretch simple ingredients to feed families, and layered dishes with potatoes, hamburger, and creamy sauces were an easy answer.

Today, you’ll find many versions of hamburger and potato casseroles across the U.S., each with small twists — different cheeses, canned soups or homemade sauces, and various seasoning blends. This version keeps the spirit of classic comfort while using a from-scratch sauce and simple, fresh ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the Hamburger Potato Casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time if putting it into the oven straight from the fridge.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?

You can. Thawed shredded or diced hash browns can be layered in place of the sliced potatoes. The texture will be slightly different, but it’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

What kind of ground beef is best?

I like using 85–90% lean hamburger for this casserole. It has enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you use fattier beef, drain off any excess fat after browning.

Can I add cheese throughout the layers?

Yes, you can sprinkle a little cheese between layers of potatoes and hamburger for extra gooeyness. Just keep most of it on top for that classic bubbly, golden finish.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Make sure the sauce fully covers the layers, bake covered for the first part, and don’t overbake once the potatoes are tender. If reheating leftovers, cover them so the Hamburger Potato Casserole stays moist.

Helpful Resources

• USDA Food Safety Guidelines – Learn more about safely handling ground beef and leftovers.
• USDA Protein Foods Group – Information on including beef in a balanced diet.
• American Heart Association Healthy Eating – Tips for building heart-healthy meals at home.

Did you make this Hamburger Potato Casserole? I’d love to see your version!

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