Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Discover the heartwarming simplicity of this Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole – a complete meal that promises to become a family favorite. Combining layers of tender, cheesy potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the quintessential comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, offering a delicious and satisfying experience everyone will love.

One of the best aspects of this classic hamburger potato casserole is its timeless appeal and convenience. Since all the ingredients are readily available year-round, you can whip up this delightful dish whenever a craving for comforting, homemade food strikes. It’s a delicious, one-dish wonder that satisfies hunger and brings warmth to any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hamburger Potato Casserole

Crafting this delicious casserole requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich flavors and comforting texture that define this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty casserole. While classic ground beef is recommended for its rich flavor and texture, ground venison also works beautifully for a leaner, gamey twist.
• Potatoes: The star carbohydrate of the dish. Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape, but Russet potatoes are also an excellent choice, providing a classic potato flavor. Ensure they are peeled and sliced evenly.
• Evaporated Milk: This brings a wonderful creaminess and depth to the sauce, ensuring the casserole isn’t dry and every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic casserole ingredient that provides a ready-made, savory base for the sauce, adding an umami richness that complements the beef and potatoes perfectly.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that irresistible, tangy, and gooey cheese factor. Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• All-Purpose Seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs and spices that ties all the flavors together, elevating the taste of both the meat and the potatoes.

For precise measurements and detailed quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Step-by-Step Hamburger Potato Casserole Instructions

Creating this delicious Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole is a straightforward process, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Here’s an overview of the simple steps to guide you. For more intricate details and exact timings, be sure to check the full recipe card below.

Hint: For an effortless make-ahead option, fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. This makes it a fantastic solution for busy weeknights; simply pull it out and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas for Your Casserole

One of the joys of cooking this Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences or simply to use up ingredients you have on hand:

• Potato Choices: While Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture, Russet Potatoes are an excellent alternative, providing a fluffier texture once baked. For a sweeter, nutrient-rich option, swap out white potatoes for Sweet Potatoes, adding a unique twist to the flavor profile. Alternatively, expedite prep by using frozen Hash Browns instead of sliced potatoes for a different texture.
• Meat Alternatives: For a lighter take, substitute ground beef with lean Ground Turkey. You can also experiment with ground chicken or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Cheese Options: Beyond Sharp Cheddar, consider using Mozzarella Cheese for a milder, stretchier melt, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. A touch of Parmesan can also add a salty, umami kick.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Incorporate these for a deeper, more aromatic base flavor that complements the beef beautifully. Add them when browning the meat or seasoning the potato layers.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this adds a fantastic umami depth to the ground beef, enhancing its savory notes. Mix it in while browning the meat.
  • Chili Powder: For those who enjoy a little warmth and spice, a teaspoon or two of chili powder can transform the casserole with a subtle Tex-Mex influence.
  • Italian Seasoning: If you prefer a more herbaceous profile, a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning will infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors.
  • Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme can be added to the layers or as a garnish for a burst of freshness.
• Adding Vegetables: Boost nutrition and flavor by stirring in cooked, diced vegetables like corn, peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers with the ground beef. You can also layer fresh Green Beans directly into the casserole or serve them as a simple side dish.
• Cream Soup Substitutions: If cream of mushroom isn’t your favorite, feel free to use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cooking Fat: While the casserole dish is typically greased, you could use a light coating of Olive Oil or cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and for added flavor.

Necessary Gear and Equipment for Perfection

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Having the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, and this casserole is no exception. While not extensive, a few key pieces of equipment can enhance your cooking experience and the final outcome of your dish:

• 13×9 Inch Casserole Dish: A sturdy casserole dish of this size is essential for holding all the delicious layers. We particularly love using an enameled cast iron casserole dish. Its superior heat retention properties mean your casserole stays warm longer after coming out of the oven, perfect for serving.
• Large Skillet: You’ll need a spacious skillet for browning the ground meat efficiently and evenly.
• Sharp Knife or Mandoline Slicer: For perfectly uniform potato slices, a sharp chef’s knife is crucial. However, if you’re looking for ultimate precision and speed, a mandoline slicer can create consistently thin slices that cook evenly and present beautifully. (Always use caution with a mandoline slicer!)
• Large Mixing Bowl and Whisk: For combining the creamy soup and evaporated milk mixture smoothly before pouring it over your layered casserole.

For your convenience, you can find a link to my recommended 13 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Baking Dish within the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of the ease and comfort of casseroles, you’re in for a treat! We have a delightful collection of other casserole recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From savory to sweet, these dishes are perfect for any occasion:

• John Wayne Casserole
• Big Mac Casserole
• Hobo Casserole
• Eggplant Casserole
• Beef Pot Pie

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the best things about casseroles is how well they store, making meal prep and future dinners a breeze. Proper storage ensures your Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole remains delicious and safe to eat:

• Refrigeration: Once the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature, cover it tightly with aluminum foil directly in the baking dish, or transfer portions into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures freshness and prevents spoilage.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. After cooling, transfer individual or family-sized portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure all air is removed before sealing to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: For individual servings, the microwave is your best friend. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely (to prevent splatters and retain moisture), and heat on high for 2-4 minutes, or until thoroughly hot. Stirring halfway through can help with even heating.
  • Oven: For reheating a larger portion or the entire casserole, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the covered casserole dish (foil is perfect) in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you like a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can help re-moisturize the dish if it seems a little dry.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes: Personal Touches & Tips

I usually keep this recipe quite simple, especially when cooking for the kids, as they prefer classic flavors. However, for an extra special and more complex taste, consider adding finely diced onions, minced garlic, or a blend of additional aromatic spices to the ground beef. These small additions can truly elevate the dish, transforming it into a gourmet experience without much extra effort. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

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Print Recipe

Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole

With just a few simple ingredients, this Hamburger Potato Casserole is a staple for dinner time. It’s serious comfort food, easy to make, and satisfying for the whole family.

Equipment

• 13 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Baking Dish

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds Ground Beef
• 4 Pounds Yellow Potatoes (peeled and sliced)
• 12 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
• 1 (12 Ounce) Can Evaporated Milk
• 2 (10.5 Ounce) Cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2 teaspoons All-Purpose Seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish.
2. Brown the 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Arrange a layer of the 4 pounds of peeled and sliced yellow potatoes on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Season this layer with about ⅓ of the 2 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning.
4. Sprinkle about ⅓ of the 12 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the potato layer.
5. Evenly sprinkle about ⅓ of the browned ground beef over the cheese. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 two more times to create three layers in total.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 (12 ounce) can of evaporated milk and 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. Gently lift the layers with a fork in a few places to help the sauce seep down between them.
7. Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the top layer of the casserole.
8. Lightly grease a piece of aluminum foil and use it to cover the casserole dish tightly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes for easier slicing.

Notes

After pouring the soup mixture, it should naturally work its way between the layers. You can gently assist it with a fork if needed. Alternatively, you could mix the soup and milk beforehand and spoon portions between layers as you build the casserole.

To make it even more reminiscent of a classic hamburger, consider topping individual servings with fresh shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, or chopped onions (if your family enjoys these additions!).

Nutrition