Easy Hamburger Potato Dinner – Hearty One-Pan Meal

This Easy Hamburger Potato Dinner is my go-to when I need a filling meal without a lot of fuss. It's a classic comfort food combination: seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked together in one dish.

I started making this when my kids were little and I needed something simple after a busy day. It's the kind of meal that comes together with pantry staples, and everyone asks for seconds.

The best part? You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, and it's all baked in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

Use 85% lean for best flavor without excess grease. Ground turkey or chicken work too; just add a tablespoon of olive oil.

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Sweet or white onion also work. If you're short on time, use 1 cup frozen diced onion, no need to thaw.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. In a pinch, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

4 cups (about 600g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)

Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold up well too. Slice them uniformly for even cooking; a mandoline makes it easy.

1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup

Use cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor. For a homemade version, use 1.5 cups of white sauce.

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

Whole milk or 2% give the creamiest texture. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or chicken broth.

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Adds a savory depth. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can substitute in a pinch.

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Dried rosemary or oregano also pair well. If using fresh thyme, use 1 tablespoon chopped.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to your taste. If your soup is salty, start with less.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best but pre-ground works fine.

1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar adds more flavor. Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are great too. Shred your own for smoother melting.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Adds a fresh pop of color. Skip or use dried parsley if you prefer.

Tips & Tricks

• Slice potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• If your potatoes are thicker than 1/8-inch, you may need to add a few minutes to the covered baking time.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens and it's easier to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large cast-iron skillet.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain excess fat.

3. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Layer the Dish

Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then pour half of the sauce over. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.

5. Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The potatoes should be nearly tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Add Cheese and Finish

Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fully tender. The edges should be bubbly and the top golden brown.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Delicious Variations

• Add a layer of frozen peas and carrots with the beef for extra veggies.
• Swap the potatoes for thinly sliced sweet potatoes for a twist.
• Top with crispy fried onions in the last 5 minutes for extra crunch.

How to Store Easy Hamburger Potato Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Try this Easy Hamburger Potato Dinner tonight for a cozy, no-fuss meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights. Here's to a calmer home, one drawer at a time.

Easy Hamburger Potato Dinner

This Easy Hamburger Potato Dinner is a comforting, hearty one-pan meal the whole family will love, ready in under an hour.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time45 minCook time6Servings385 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (about 600g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large cast-iron skillet.
2. 2Brown the Beef — In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain excess fat.
3. 3Make the Sauce — In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. 4Layer the Dish — Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then pour half of the sauce over. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. 5Cover and Bake — Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The potatoes should be nearly tender when pierced with a fork.
6. 6Add Cheese and Finish — Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fully tender. The edges should be bubbly and the top golden brown.
7. 7Rest and Serve — Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For an extra golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes—watch closely so the cheese doesn't burn.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 385 kcal · 24g protein · 28g carbs · 20g fat

Written by Elena Vasquez
Elena writes about home organization and decluttering from a busy parent's perspective. She focuses on simple, low-cost systems that actually work in real life. Her articles emphasize small daily habits over perfect aesthetics.