Hamburger potato casserole combines seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes and melted cheddar in a creamy homemade sauce. It is a hearty, comforting dinner made with affordable ingredients.
The casserole resembles scalloped potatoes with an additional layer of savory beef. Preparing a simple sauce from butter, flour, broth and milk provides a fresher flavor than canned soup and allows you to control the seasoning.
Serve this filling casserole with green beans, roasted broccoli or a crisp salad.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Made with affordable ingredients.
- Provides a complete family dinner.
- Rich, creamy and cheesy.
- Easy to prepare ahead.
- Uses no canned soup.
- Freezer-friendly.
- Suitable for potlucks.
- Uses everyday pantry seasonings.
- Reheats well.
- Easy to customize with vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper.
For the Potatoes and Sauce
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth.
- 1 cup whole milk.
- ½ cup sour cream.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
- Nonstick cooking spray.
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef: Lean ground beef provides flavor without making the casserole excessively greasy. Drain it thoroughly after browning.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape and have a creamy texture. Russet potatoes create a softer, starchier casserole.
Cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides a stronger flavor, allowing you to use a moderate quantity.
Milk: Whole milk makes a creamy sauce. Avoid using sweetened or flavored milk alternatives.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness. Stir it into the sauce after reducing the heat.
Beef broth: Low-sodium broth builds savory flavor while allowing control over the salt.
How Thin Should You Slice the Potatoes?
Slice the potatoes approximately ⅛ inch thick.
A mandoline creates the most even slices, but always use the hand guard. A sharp knife also works.
Uneven or overly thick slices may remain firm after the surrounding sauce is hot.
You may peel the potatoes or leave the thin skins on after scrubbing them thoroughly.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Slice the potatoes and place them in cold water while preparing the remaining ingredients. Drain and pat them dry before layering.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until browned and the onion is tender.
Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 1 minute, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add the beef broth, whisking continuously. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the sour cream, 1 cup cheddar and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
Remove the sauce from the heat once the cheese has melted. Avoid boiling it after adding the sour cream.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Arrange half the potato slices in overlapping rows across the prepared dish.
Top them with half the beef mixture and half the sauce.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef and sauce.
Ensure the potatoes are coated with sauce so they cook evenly.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 375°F for 55–65 minutes.
Carefully insert a thin knife into the center. It should pass through the potatoes without significant resistance.
Step 8: Add the Cheese Topping
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes for additional browning.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes.
Resting allows the sauce to settle and makes the portions easier to cut.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Potato Casserole
Slice the Potatoes Evenly
Uniform, thin slices are the most important factor in achieving tender potatoes.
Drain the Beef
Excess grease can separate from the cheese sauce and make the casserole oily.
Cover the Dish Tightly
Foil traps steam, which helps cook the potatoes.
Test the Center
Potatoes near the edge cook first. Test the slices in the center before adding the final cheese layer.
Let It Rest
The sauce may appear loose immediately after baking but thickens as the casserole stands.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Recipe Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Casserole
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef and garnish with sliced green onions.
Mushroom Beef Casserole
Cook 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onion.
Vegetable Hamburger Casserole
Add frozen peas, corn or finely chopped spinach to the beef mixture.
Spicy Potato Casserole
Add diced jalapeño, cayenne pepper or pepper Jack cheese.
Ground Turkey Potato Casserole
Substitute ground turkey and use chicken broth in the sauce.
Taco Potato Casserole
Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and use a Mexican cheese blend.
What to Serve With Hamburger Casserole
Serve it with:
- Roasted green beans.
- Steamed broccoli.
- Garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts.
- Honey glazed carrots.
- Caesar salad.
- Cucumber tomato salad.
- Homemade dinner rolls.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole one day in advance.
Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it before baking. Allow it to stand at room temperature while the oven preheats.
A chilled casserole may require additional baking time. Confirm that the center is hot and the potatoes are completely tender.
How to Store Leftovers
Cover the baking dish or transfer individual portions to airtight containers.
Refrigerate within two hours and use within 3–4 days.
Can You Freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Yes, although potatoes can become slightly softer after freezing.
Cool the baked casserole completely, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Reheat the Casserole
Cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until thoroughly hot.
Microwave individual portions in short intervals. Covering the serving helps retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my potatoes still hard?
The slices may be too thick, the dish may not have been covered tightly or the casserole may need additional baking time.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, but that creates a different casserole and requires separately tested quantities and cooking instructions.
Can I use canned cream soup?
Yes. A condensed cream soup can replace part of the homemade sauce, but the salt and consistency will differ.
Should I boil the potatoes first?
It is unnecessary when the potatoes are sliced ⅛ inch thick and the casserole is covered during baking.
Can I leave the potato skins on?
Yes. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and remove any damaged areas.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
The heat may have been too high, or pre-shredded cheese may not have melted smoothly.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, peas, corn, spinach and broccoli are suitable additions.
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Drain the beef, pat the potatoes dry and let the baked casserole rest before serving.
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Card
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 75–85 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: Baking
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef.
- 1 yellow onion, diced.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- 2 pounds potatoes, sliced ⅛ inch thick.
- 3 tablespoons butter.
- 3 tablespoons flour.
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth.
- 1 cup whole milk.
- ½ cup sour cream.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided.
- 2 tablespoons parsley.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef and onion for 7–8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and milk.
- Simmer until lightly thickened.
- Stir in the sour cream and 1 cup cheddar.
- Layer half the potatoes, beef and sauce in the dish.
- Repeat the layers.
- Cover tightly and bake for 55–65 minutes.
- Test the center potatoes for tenderness.
- Add the remaining cheddar.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Slice potatoes approximately ⅛ inch thick.
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly.
- Keep the casserole covered during its initial baking period.
- Add more baking time if the center potatoes remain firm.
- Test the complete recipe before publishing the final time and yield.