Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best!

When life gets busy, we all need a go-to comfort meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Enter: Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole—a simple yet flavorful dish packed with juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just pure comfort on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-dish wonder – Minimal cleanup!
✔ Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples.
✔ Crowd-pleaser – Kids and adults love it!
✔ Make-ahead & freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal prep.

So, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4-5 russet potatoes, thinly sliced (or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or any melty cheese you love)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup milk
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional but adds great flavor)

For the Topping:

½ cup shredded cheese (because extra cheese is always a good idea)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Drain excess grease and set aside.

2️⃣ Prep the Potatoes & Sauce

Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3️⃣ Layer the Casserole

In a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
Spread half of the ground beef mixture on top.
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese over it.
Repeat with another layer of potatoes, beef, and cheese.
Pour the soup mixture evenly over everything, ensuring it soaks into the layers.

4️⃣ Bake & Finish

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley and dig in!

Tips & Variations

✅ Add veggies – Mix in frozen peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
✅ Make it spicy – Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the beef.
✅ Crispy top? – Add buttered breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
✅ Dairy-free? – Swap out cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cozy casserole with:
✔ A simple side salad
✔ Steamed veggies (green beans, carrots, or asparagus)
✔ Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is pure comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, potluck dish, or freezer meal, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite casserole add-in? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️

Enjoy this hearty, homemade classic!