Hearty Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Check out the world of hamburger potato casserole, a mouthwatering marvel that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary symphony.

Layers of succulent ground beef nestle between creamy potato slices, creating a comfort food masterpiece.

Melted cheese cascades through each bite, adding a luxurious richness that elevates this dish beyond simple home cooking.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty textures, this casserole delivers a nostalgic embrace reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.

Every forkful promises a delightful dance of savory meat and tender potatoes that will have dinner companions begging for seconds.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and soul-warming potential.

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 5

Things to Prep for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

For Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease and richer flavor; freshness matters most.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Select sharp cheddar for more intense taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For Creamy Base and Seasoning:
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Pick low-sodium version for better salt control.
  • Milk: Use whole milk for creamier consistency and deeper richness.
  • Onion: Select firm, crisp yellow onions for robust, sweet undertones.
  • Salt: Opt for kosher salt for more balanced seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more vibrant, zesty flavor.
For Supporting Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Choose starchy russet potatoes for perfect layering and creamy texture; look for firm, smooth-skinned varieties without sprouts.

Tools Required for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly and releasing delicious flavors.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together creamy sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • 2-Quart Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering potatoes, beef, and creating a hearty casserole.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure milk for the creamy sauce.
  • Whisk: Ensures sauce ingredients blend seamlessly without lumps.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dishes.
  • Fork: Helps test potato tenderness during baking.

How You’ll Cook Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

How You’ll Cook Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole
  • Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect warm stage for our delicious adventure.

  • Transform The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into tasty crumbles until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Ditch any extra grease for a clean, lean base.

  • Craft Velvety Sauce

Whisk together creamy mushroom soup with milk, blending in zesty onions, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix until silky smooth and bursting with flavor.

  • Build Mouthwatering Layers

In a baking dish, create a delicious landscape: spread tender potato slices, drench with creamy sauce, and blanket with savory beef. Repeat until your dish is a delectable tower of comfort.

  • Bake Into Deliciousness

Slide the casserole into the waiting oven. Let it bubble and transform for about an hour, checking potato softness with a quick fork poke.

  • Crown With Cheesy Glory

Shower the top with melty cheddar cheese. Return to oven until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket of goodness.

Serve steaming hot and savor every comforting bite of this classic family feast.

Kitchen Notes for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Kitchen Notes for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Explore exciting ways to make this classic casserole uniquely yours, adding personal flair and extra deliciousness.

Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Boost the heat by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to give the casserole a zesty kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.

Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen mixed vegetables between layers for added texture and wholesome goodness.

Prepare the entire casserole up to two days in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep champions.

How to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

How to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole
  • Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Complement the rich, hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the dish's creamy texture.
  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to your meal.
  • Cool Down with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a zesty side of homemade coleslaw to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
  • Complete with Chilled Beverage: Refresh your palate with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer that cuts through the casserole's richness.

Keep It Fresh Tips for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Preserve Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Keep casserole in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen casserole stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for future quick meals.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and preserve moisture, creating a just-like-fresh dining experience.
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Comforting pioneer woman hamburger potato casserole combines hearty ground beef with creamy potatoes in classic midwestern style. Cheesy layers meld together for a satisfying family dinner that promises warmth and nostalgia on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 cup (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups (720 ml) peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
  • ½ cup (75 g) chopped onion
  • salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish for optimal cooking performance.
  2. Meat Transformation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, continuously breaking and browning the meat until golden crumbles form, then meticulously drain excess fat to ensure a lean protein base.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, diced onions, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until a smooth, harmonious sauce emerges.
  4. Strategic Layering: Create a foundational layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, evenly distributing the soup mixture and crumbled ground beef to establish a robust flavor profile, repeating the process to build multiple interconnected strata.
  5. Baking Perfection: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 1 to 1.25 hours until potato slices become tender and edges turn a tempting golden brown.
  6. Cheese Finale: During the last 5-7 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melted crust that adds a final layer of rich, creamy indulgence.

Notes

  • Potato Prep Power: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Fat Drainage Trick: Thoroughly drain ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and maintain a lighter, more appetizing meal.
  • Layering Technique: Create balanced layers with equal distribution of potatoes, meat, and soup mixture for maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Cheese Timing Matters: Add cheese only in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden, melted topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 930 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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