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Large skillet
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Cutting board & knife
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Mixing bowl
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat:
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Add ground beef and chopped onion
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Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft
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Drain excess grease
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well and remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice (or thinly slice) the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
💡 Tip: Thin slices cook faster; diced potatoes give a heartier texture.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Cream of mushroom soup
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Milk
This mixture will help soften the potatoes and bind the casserole together.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the casserole as follows:
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Half of the potatoes
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Half of the seasoned ground beef
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Half of the soup mixture
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Repeat layers
Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until:
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Potatoes are fork-tender
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Cheese is melted and golden
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Sauce is bubbling around the edges
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
Texture & Flavor Profile
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Tender potatoes that soak up savory flavor
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Rich, seasoned beef in every bite
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Creamy, cheesy sauce that binds it all together
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Golden top layer with melted cheese
This dish is the definition of cozy comfort food.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
✔ Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking
✔ Cover tightly with foil to prevent drying
✔ Drain beef well to avoid excess grease
✔ Use full-fat soup for maximum creaminess
✔ Let rest before serving for cleaner slices
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Bacon Version
Add cooked, crumbled bacon between layers.
Mexican-Style Casserole
Add taco seasoning, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
Creamy Chicken Swap
Replace beef with cooked diced chicken.
Extra Veggie Boost
Add carrots, peas, or green beans.
Ranch Flavor
Mix 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning into the soup mixture.
What to Serve with Hamburger & Potato Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
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Simple green salad
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
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Dinner rolls or crusty bread
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Coleslaw
It’s a complete meal but shines with a fresh side.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze fully baked and cooled casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheating
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Oven: 350°F for 20–25 minutes
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Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving
Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)
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Calories: 420–480
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Protein: 24g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
A hearty, satisfying meal that keeps you full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, diced frozen potatoes or hash browns work well and reduce prep time.
Can I make this without canned soup?
Absolutely—use a homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes! Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend all work beautifully.
How do I know the potatoes are done?
Insert a fork—if it slides in easily, they’re ready.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. It’s simple, affordable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cooking on a budget, or just craving a warm, home-cooked meal, this casserole delivers every single time.
With its creamy layers, savory beef, tender potatoes, and cheesy topping, it’s no wonder this dish has remained a family favorite for decades. One bite, and you’ll understand why 🥔🧀🥩✨
