Hamburger Potato Casserole

 

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the perfect family dinner—layers of buttery potatoes, savory beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potato Casserole

If cozy had a flavor, it would be this Ground Beef Potato Casserole. This dish is everything we crave on busy weeknights or chilly weekends: a comforting combo of crispy-edged potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, melty cheddar, and sweet bites of corn. It’s easy, filling, and irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hungry adults, this casserole will win hearts and fill bellies—without requiring hours in the kitchen.

 Tools You’ll Need

• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Ingredients

• 4 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
• 1/3 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potato Base

In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with melted butter and salt. Press them into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish to create a golden, tender crust.
Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

While the potatoes are baking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Sprinkle the cooked beef and frozen corn evenly over the baked potatoes.

4. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the cream of celery soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, chopped onion, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Pour this creamy mixture over the meat and corn.

5. Bake and Finish

Bake the casserole uncovered at 400°F for another 20 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbling.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top, and bake for 2–3 more minutes until it’s melted and gooey.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Slice potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook properly—use a mandoline if you have one.
• Don't overbake the final stage—you want the casserole moist, not dry.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Drain the beef well to avoid extra grease in the dish.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help everything set.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Swap cream of celery for mushroom or chicken soup for different flavor twists.
• Add vegetables like peas, green beans, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Spice it up with a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Go cheesy with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella or pepper jack.
• Make it Tex-Mex by adding taco seasoning to the beef and a sprinkle of cilantro at the end.

 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 6–8)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~3g

These values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Total Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

FAQ – You Asked, We Answered

Can I use hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry first to remove excess moisture.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not unless you use a gluten-free cream of celery soup. Everything else can easily be made GF.

What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?

Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken work great as substitutes.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything (except the final cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before baking.

 Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the kind of meal that feels like a hug from grandma—warm, cheesy, and made with love. It’s a weeknight winner that doesn’t require fancy ingredients, but still tastes like a million bucks.

Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want to indulge in some serious comfort food, this casserole checks all the boxes.