After a long day, there’s nothing quite like walking into the kitchen and knowing that a warm, comforting meal is just around the corner. That’s exactly how I feel about this Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup. The moment I start browning the ground beef and slicing the potatoes, the anticipation builds; I can almost taste the rich flavors melding together in the oven. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish transforms into a satisfying dinner that the entire family will love. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal, this budget-friendly casserole has you covered. And let’s be real—who could resist soft, creamy potatoes layered over savory beef and a zesty tomato sauce? This is comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy evenings at home. So grab your baking dish, and let’s create some delicious memories together!
Why is the Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup so beloved?
Comforting and Familiar: This easy casserole is like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for families craving comfort food.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, it’s easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor.
Minimal Prep Required: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the hearty combination of flavors and textures.
Versatile for Add-Ins: Feel free to sneak in veggies for added nutrition, making it adaptable for different tastes.
This is surely a recipe you’ll return to time and time again!
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish.
For the Meat Mixture
• Ground Beef (2.5 lb, 80/20 Chuck) – Provides rich flavor and moisture; leaner options can be used but may require draining excess fat.
• Onions (1/2 cup, finely diced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the savory layer.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) – Enhances the flavor easily mixed in with the meat.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste for the best flavor balance.
For the Potato Layer
• Potatoes (3.5 cups, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds) – Acts as the main carbohydrate; thin slices ensure proper cooking for the best hamburger and potato casserole experience.
For the Sauce
• Tomato Juice (2 cups, Campbell’s) – Forms the fragrant base of the sauce for moisture and flavor; any brand will do!
• Bay Leaf (1) – Infuses the casserole with aromatic flavor during cooking, making it irresistible.
How to Make Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring it’s warm and ready for baking your delightful casserole.
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Prepare Ingredients: Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and finely dice the onions. Keep them accessible to avoid oxidation while you work.
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Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 2-3 minutes before adding the onions. Continue to cook for about 5-8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
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Season Mixture: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. This step is crucial for enhancing the dish’s flavor profile!
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Layer Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully layer the sliced potatoes on top, slightly overlapping them for an even cook.
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Add Seasoning and Sauce: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potato layer. Then, pour the tomato juice evenly into the dish, ensuring it seeps down to keep the potatoes moist.
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Add Bay Leaf: Nestle the bay leaf into the casserole. This will impart a delightful aromatic flavor as it bakes. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
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Bake Casserole: Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. Once baked, remove the foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These comforting Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare the beef mixture and slice your potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in airtight containers to prevent browning. The seasoned beef can be cooked and refrigerated, while the sliced potatoes can be kept submerged in cold water. When you’re ready to bake, layer the ingredients as directed and pour over the tomato juice before proceeding with the baking instructions. This way, you’ll have a hearty meal ready with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners a breeze—enjoy all the deliciousness without the rush!
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this comforting recipe to your tastes and dietary needs!
- Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option that retains all the delicious flavors.
- Sweet Potato Infusion: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture for added nutrition and a pop of color.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a warm, zesty lift to the casserole.
- Cheesy Delight: Top the casserole with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma and flavor profile of your casserole.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth to maintain the comforting essence.
- Savory Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the mix for an earthy flavor that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
Each of these variations brings a unique twist to the classic comfort of the casserole, inviting you to create a dish that’s just right for you!
How to Store and Freeze Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This ensures your casserole stays fresh and retains its comforting flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s well-wrapped or in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through, to preserve texture and flavor.
Defrosting: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an even better taste experience with your best hamburger and potato casserole.
What to Serve with Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup?
Nothing completes a cozy casserole quite like thoughtful side dishes that enhance its comforting flavors.
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing toss of mixed greens and vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole, bringing balance to the meal.
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Garlic Bread: Soft, warm slices of garlic bread invite you to scoop up every last bite of the savory tomato sauce. It’s a delightful combination that everyone craves.
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Steamed Vegetables: Brightly colored vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring both color and nutrients, ensuring a well-rounded dinner plate that feels complete.
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Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy notes of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole, making each bite more enjoyable.
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Mashed Potatoes: If you can’t get enough potato goodness, creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect accompaniment that adds another layer of comfort.
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Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with warm apple crisp, its melted goodness and cinnamon spice perfectly rounded out the savory flavors on your dinner table.
Expert Tips for the Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup
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Potato Slicing: Slice potatoes to 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking; thick slices might remain crunchy and undercooked.
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Grease Management: Always drain excess grease from the cooked beef before layering to prevent a greasy casserole, ensuring a perfect experience.
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Layer Wisdom: Season each layer as you build the casserole. This helps distribute flavors throughout the dish, giving you the best hamburger and potato casserole.
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Tomato Juice Coverage: Make sure the tomato juice fully covers the potato layer to keep them moist while baking, avoiding dry spots.
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Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes for easier serving.
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right potatoes for this casserole?
Opt for starchy potatoes, like Russets, which become fluffy and creamy when baked. Yukon Golds or red potatoes are also great thanks to their slightly waxy texture, which holds up well. Ensure they are firm with smooth skin, free of any dark spots or blemishes.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of the casserole?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you prefer freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container before freezing for up to 3 months. This step is crucial to maintain flavor and prevent freezer burn.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble it the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw! Just remember that baking time may increase slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What should I do if the potatoes are still crunchy after baking?
If you find that your potatoes haven’t cooked through, it’s likely due to thick slicing. For next time, be sure to slice them into 1/4-inch rounds for even baking. If they’re already baked, try covering the casserole with foil and returning it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until tender.
Is this casserole safe for people with certain dietary restrictions?
Yes! The Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup is versatile. If you have family members with dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, feel free to sneak in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor without changing the overall dish too much.
Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup Delight
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- - Skillet
- - Knife
- - Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 2.5 lb Ground Beef (80/20 Chuck) Provides rich flavor and moisture; leaner options can be used but may require draining excess fat.
- 0.5 cup Onions, finely diced Adds sweetness and depth to the savory layer.
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances the flavor easily mixed in with the meat.
- Salt Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste for the best flavor balance.
- Pepper Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste for the best flavor balance.
For the Potato Layer
- 3.5 cups Potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds Acts as the main carbohydrate; thin slices ensure proper cooking.
For the Sauce
- 2 cups Tomato Juice (Campbell's) Forms the fragrant base of the sauce for moisture and flavor.
- 1 Bay Leaf Infuses the casserole with aromatic flavor during cooking.
Instructions
How to Make Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole with Tomato Soup
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and finely dice the onions.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 2-3 minutes before adding the onions. Continue to cook for about 5-8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the sliced potatoes on top, slightly overlapping them.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potato layer. Pour the tomato juice evenly into the dish.
- Nestle the bay leaf into the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Once baked, remove the foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.