Hamburger-Potato Bake
A hearty baked dish combining tender potatoes, savory hamburger, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes in boiling water until just tender.
- Brown hamburger with onions.
- Drain excess fat from the hamburger mixture.
- Mix together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and salt.
- Add the soup mixture to the browned hamburger and onions.
- Layer the hamburger mixture with sliced potatoes in a large casserole dish.
- Top with grated sharp cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream to the soup mixture. If you're short on time, you can use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh. To enhance the flavor, try adding garlic powder or using a different type of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick. This dish pairs well with other American recipes such as J. J.'S Chili for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hamburger-Potato Bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting side dish, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Mixed Bean Soup, which adds variety to your dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power for a few minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger-Potato Bake contains roughly 1196 calories, with 30g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), potassium (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1818mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for hamburger in this recipe. It will still provide a hearty flavor while being a bit lighter. Be sure to season it well to enhance the taste, and cook it until it’s fully browned before mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Use a vegetable-based cream soup instead of cream of mushroom to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).