Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole – Cheesy & Creamy Delight

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole is that old-school, cozy dinner your grandma might’ve served—with a little modern shortcut to help you out on busy weeknights. Imagine coming home after a long day, kicking off your shoes, and knowing a warm, cheesy, beefy casserole is bubbling away in the oven. The Pioneer Woman’s take on hamburger potato casserole blends savory ground beef, tender thin-sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all hugged by melted Cheddar cheese.

The best part? It’s all baked into one dish, so cleanup’s easy too. Whether your kids are picky or your schedule’s packed, this casserole comes to the rescue with simple pantry staples and hearty flavor. And if you love homestyle dinners like tater tot casserole with ground beef or creamy beef and shells, trust me—this one’s about to join your weeknight rotation.

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What is Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic baked dish made with layers of lean ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy, seasoned mushroom soup sauce. It’s topped off with melted Cheddar cheese, which gets all bubbly and golden in the oven. Think of it like lasagna’s rustic, meat-and-potatoes cousin—no noodles, just layers of pure comfort.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a hug in casserole form, perfect for chilly nights or when you want something filling without too much fuss. The flavor is simple but satisfying, and the ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for lunch the next day (yes, it reheats like a dream), this dish has your back. It’s no wonder this recipe continues to show up on dinner tables all across America.

Reasons to Try Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

First of all—hello, budget-friendly! This Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole stretches a pound of ground beef into a full meal that feeds six hungry mouths. It’s also perfect for when you want a “real” dinner but don’t have time for anything fancy. There’s no weird ingredients, just pantry basics and a few fridge staples. Got picky eaters? No problem. Kids (and husbands!) love it. The mild flavor and cheesy top layer make it super family-friendly.

Plus, it’s customizable. Want to add veggies? Go for it. Need to make it ahead? You can. Bake it now, reheat later. And did I mention it’s just as good—or maybe better—the next day? Whether you’re trying to stretch your grocery haul, need a solid potluck dish, or just want dinner to make itself while you chill, this casserole is a solid win.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups peeled, thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ready to create a dinner that’ll earn you a round of applause at the table? Let’s walk through this step-by-step guide to making Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s beginner-friendly, packed with flavor, and best of all—requires minimal cleanup. Follow along and you’ll have a hearty casserole bubbling in the oven in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Workspace

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This gives you time to get everything prepped and ready to go while the oven heats up. Clear off your counter, grab a cutting board, and line up your ingredients. If you haven’t already, peel and thinly slice your potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick is perfect). For even slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend—but a sharp knife works, too. Need help choosing the best potatoes for baking? Check out this simple guide to potato types for casseroles to see what holds up best in the oven.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left—fully cooked is the goal here. Once it’s done, drain off the grease carefully (you don’t want it pooling in your casserole). This step keeps your dish from getting greasy and gives you that perfect, hearty beef base. If you’re short on time during the week, this part can even be done ahead and stored in the fridge.

Want to switch things up? If you’re looking for a lighter version, check out our healthy chicken casserole options that use leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, ¾ cup of milk, chopped onion, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything until smooth and well mixed. This rich sauce is what gives the casserole its signature creaminess and binds everything together as it bakes. If your crew isn’t into mushrooms, you can swap in cream of chicken or cheddar soup—just like we suggest in our million dollar chicken casserole, which uses similar creamy layers.

Need it dairy-free or gluten-free? Head over to our ingredient swap guide for options that keep the flavor without the allergens.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole (This Part Is Key!)

Grab your 2-quart baking dish (a glass or ceramic dish works best), and let’s start layering. Think of this step-by-step layering like building lasagna—but with potatoes instead of pasta.

1. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes. Make sure they’re slightly overlapping but not stacked too thick—this helps them cook evenly.
2. Add a layer of the cooked ground beef, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
3. Spoon over some of the soup mixture, covering the beef and potatoes so they stay moist.

Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, soup. You should have enough for two or three layers, depending on the size of your dish. End with a final drizzle of the soup mixture on top so everything gets golden and bubbly.

Looking for more casseroles that use this method? Try our easy tater tot casserole for another family favorite built the same way.

Step 5: Bake Until the Potatoes Are Tender

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This step locks in moisture so the potatoes cook through without drying out. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your oven and how thick the potatoes are sliced. Check for doneness by poking a fork into the center—if it slides in easily, your potatoes are ready.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure whether the potatoes are done, let them go a little longer. Undercooked potatoes will ruin that soft, creamy texture we’re going for.

Step 6: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese across the top. Slide the dish back into the oven—uncovered—for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and get bubbly.

If you like a crisp, golden cheese crust (and really, who doesn’t?), you can broil it for 1–2 minutes—but keep an eye on it. Cheese goes from golden to scorched fast!

Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving

This might be the hardest step, but trust me—let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve neat slices without everything falling apart. It’s still piping hot, and the flavors really come together in this brief pause.

If you’re into meal prepping, this rest time also makes it the perfect dish to store for next-day lunches. For more meal-prep-friendly options, take a peek at our high-protein triple berry bake or creamy tuna noodle casserole.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

This dish is hearty, so you don’t need much else—just a little something green or fresh on the side to balance it out. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli works great. Want something more comforting? Try a side of buttered green beans or roasted carrots. And if you’re feeling extra, serve it with a warm biscuit or a slice of crusty bread to mop up any cheesy sauce left behind. It’s also a great match for cabbage soup with hamburger if you’re feeding a bigger crowd or want something lighter on the side.

Key Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Thinly sliced potatoes are the secret to making sure your casserole cooks evenly. If they’re too thick, you’ll end up with crunchy bites (and not in a good way). Use a mandoline slicer if you’ve got one. Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up—trust me, it’s worth the wait. Don’t skip seasoning your soup mixture. Since the ingredients are simple, salt and pepper make a big difference. Want to add extra flavor? Toss in some garlic powder or swap in cream of cheddar soup for a cheesier twist. Feeling fancy? Add a handful of frozen peas, corn, or even some diced bell pepper in between the layers. It’s an easy way to sneak in more veggies.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. If the casserole seems a little dry when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth before warming it up. This dish also freezes pretty well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?
Totally. Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want something lighter.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready (you might need to add 10 extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge).

What potatoes are best?
Yukon Gold or Russets are ideal because they bake up soft and soak in all that creamy sauce.

Can I add more veggies?
Of course—try mushrooms, frozen peas, or spinach between layers.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something nostalgic and satisfying about Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s the kind of meal that makes people linger at the dinner table and go back for seconds (or thirds). It’s reliable, affordable, and seriously delicious—everything a casserole should be. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big-time comfort with minimal effort. And if you’re into cozy, no-fuss dinners, you’ll also love my easy hamburger potato casserole and slow cooker cowboy potato casserole. So grab your casserole dish, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a timeless dinner that never goes out of style.

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