There’s nothing quite like the smell of a hearty casserole bubbling away in the oven, is there? After a long day, I love coming home to this Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup, a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. The moment I lift the foil and reveal golden-brown potatoes nestled in rich, savory beef and a velvety tomato sauce, it feels like a cozy embrace on a plate.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite, not just because it’s delicious but also because it’s simple to whip up with everyday ingredients. It’s perfect for hectic weeknights or whenever you need a budget-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will devour. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a cozy night in, grab your baking dish and let’s dive into this comforting, one-dish wonder!
Why will you love this Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole?
Comforting Flavors: Packed with rich beef and tender potatoes, this casserole is like a warm hug after a long day.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this hearty dish ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly Delight: Even the fussiest eaters will adore this dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
One-Dish Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple pans and bowls; everything cooks beautifully in one dish for easy cleanup!
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing staple ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet while still delivering big flavor.
Get creative with variations—consider adding veggies for extra nutrition or even swapping in different meats!
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole Ingredients
For the Casserole
• Ground Beef (2.5 lb, 80/20 Chuck) – Provides rich flavor and protein; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Potatoes (3.5 cups, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds) – Adds heartiness; use sweet potatoes for a healthier variation.
• Onions (1/2 cup, finely diced) – Enhances flavor with natural sweetness; skip if you prefer a milder taste.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) – Adds depth to the dish; fresh minced garlic can be used for more robust flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings; adjust to taste for each layer of the casserole.
• Tomato Juice (2 cups, Campbell’s) – Forms the saucy base providing moisture and flavor; opt for no-salt-added for a healthier choice.
• Bay Leaf (1) – Imparts aromatic notes; omit if you don’t have it on hand.
Enjoy the delicious comforts of this Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup as it transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary family meal!
How to Make Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole
Prep Ingredients: Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Finely dice the onions and gather all ingredients near your cooking area. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 2-3 minutes. Once the beef is partially cooked, add the diced onions and continue to cook until the onions are softened, about 5-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, layer the sliced potatoes over the beef, slightly overlapping them for an even texture. Season the potatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Add Sauce: Pour the tomato juice evenly over the layered potatoes, ensuring they’re well covered. Place the bay leaf on top to infuse lovely flavors into the dish.
Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After an hour, check the potatoes with a fork; they should be fork-tender.
Rest and Serve: Remove the foil and bay leaf from the casserole, allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Optional: Top with shredded cheese just before serving for an extra cheesy goodness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole Variations
Feel free to delight your taste buds by customizing this casserole to suit your preferences!
Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for turkey to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a delightful twist that adds natural sweetness.
Vegetable Medley: Stir in frozen peas and carrots for a pop of color and extra nutrition that the whole family will enjoy.
Creamy Base: Substitute tomato juice with cream of mushroom or chicken soup for a rich, creamy texture that complements the potatoes beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an exciting kick that elevates the traditional flavors to the next level.
Cheesy Bliss: Top the casserole with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly, cheesy goodness.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with the layers for an aromatic touch that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Quinoa Boost: For added protein and texture, layer cooked quinoa along with the beef and potatoes, creating a wholesome twist on this classic favorite.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup are perfect for busy home cooks! You can prepare the beef and onion mixture up to 3 days in advance; simply cook and let it cool before storing in an airtight container. The sliced potatoes can also be prepped in advance—just soak them in cold water for up to 24 hours to prevent browning. When ready to serve, layer the ingredients in your baking dish as directed, pour on the tomato juice, and bake. This way, you’ll have a comforting, home-cooked meal ready with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made it from scratch that day!
How to Store and Freeze Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it to preserve freshness.
- Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Label them with the date for easy reference.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes from the fridge or 45 minutes from frozen. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even warmth and texture when enjoying this comforting Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole.
What to Serve with Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup?
There’s nothing quite like finishing off a cozy meal with the perfect sides to elevate your dinner experience.
Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the casserole’s richness and adds a crunchy texture.
Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery treat is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce, bringing an aromatic touch to your meal.
Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients, balancing the heartiness of the casserole while providing a delightful crunch.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized carrots pair wonderfully, bringing a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory casserole.
Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy dish adds a refreshing bite, brightening up flavors and providing a nice textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
Cheesy Biscuits: Light, fluffy biscuits topped with cheese complement the dish’s warmth, perfect for slathering in butter and enjoying alongside the casserole.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream feels like a comforting hug after the savory meal, rounding out your dinner beautifully.
Embrace these delightful pairings to transform your serving of casserole into a well-rounded feast!
Expert Tips for Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole
Potato Thickness: Ensure potatoes are sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for consistent cooking; thicker slices may remain crunchy.
Grease Control: Drain excess grease from the browned beef to keep your casserole light and enjoyable.
Layer Properly: Season each layer of the casserole; this ensures balanced flavors throughout the dish instead of just on top.
Tomato Sauce Substitution: If using tomato juice, try no-salt-added for a healthier twist while still achieving that comforting taste.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking; this allows flavors to combine and the dish to set for easier serving.
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best potatoes for this casserole?
Look for firm potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. Yukon Gold or Russets are ideal for their texture and flavor. Thinly slice them to 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking; if using sweet potatoes, ensure they are equally fresh and firm.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool completely before sealing to maintain its freshness, and remember to label it with the date!
Can I freeze the hamburger and potato casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For best results, let it cool completely, portion it out, and label with the date. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight, then reheat as instructed.
Why is my casserole watery?
Watery casseroles can happen if the potatoes are released too much moisture during baking. To minimize this, ensure you’re using evenly sliced potatoes and avoid layering them too thickly. Additionally, draining excess grease from the cooked beef and not undercooking the meat will help maintain a thicker texture.
Is this casserole pet-friendly?
While this dish is delicious for humans, it’s not suitable for pets. Ingredients like onions and salt can be harmful to dogs and some other animals. Always keep a cautious eye on what your pets have access to in the kitchen.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, adding vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and flavor. Just ensure to adjust cooking times slightly if you add ingredients that require different cooking durations to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup Delight
Equipment
- - Skillet
- - 9×13-inch baking dish
- - Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2.5 lb Ground Beef (80/20 Chuck) Provides rich flavor and protein; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 3.5 cups Potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds Adds heartiness; use sweet potatoes for a healthier variation.
- 0.5 cup Onions, finely diced Enhances flavor with natural sweetness; skip if you prefer a milder taste.
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder Adds depth to the dish; fresh minced garlic can be used for more robust flavor.
- Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings; adjust to taste for each layer of the casserole.
- 2 cups Tomato Juice (Campbell's) Forms the saucy base providing moisture and flavor; opt for no-salt-added for a healthier choice.
- 1 Bay Leaf Imparts aromatic notes; omit if you don't have it on hand.
Instructions
How to Make Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole
- Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Finely dice the onions and gather all ingredients near your cooking area. Don't forget to preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 2-3 minutes. Once the beef is partially cooked, add the diced onions and continue to cook until the onions are softened, about 5-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, layer the sliced potatoes over the beef, slightly overlapping them for an even texture. Season the potatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Pour the tomato juice evenly over the layered potatoes, ensuring they're well covered. Place the bay leaf on top to infuse lovely flavors into the dish.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After an hour, check the potatoes with a fork; they should be fork-tender.
- Remove the foil and bay leaf from the casserole, allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.