Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Crafting a hearty hamburger and potato casserole requires minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Busy home cooks appreciate simple meal solutions that satisfy hunger without complex preparation.

Comfort food enthusiasts will love this straightforward dish that comes together quickly.

Layers of seasoned ground beef blend seamlessly with tender potato slices.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that makes mouths water.

Weeknight dinners demand practical recipes that deliver big on taste without hours of work.

Jump into this delicious meal that promises to become a household favorite.

Variations to Try with Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Keep the same cooking method and cheese topping for a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check seasoning labels to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning to ground beef, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving for extra zest.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Hearty Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light ranch dressing complement the rich, savory casserole perfectly.
• Family-Style Meal Companion: Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add extra texture to your meal.
• Fresh Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or roasted green beans on the side to increase vegetable intake and balance the protein-packed main dish.
• Cool Refreshing Touch: Pair with a chilled coleslaw or tangy pickle spears to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a zesty contrast.

Storing Hamburger & Potato Casserole for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the cream of mushroom soup typically contains gluten. Look for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own substitute to make the recipe gluten-free.

• How can I make this casserole more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn between the layers to boost the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

• What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when baked.

5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Highlights

• Quickly Comfort Families: This hearty casserole brings everyone together with its warm, satisfying layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese that kids and adults both adore.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requiring just five simple ingredients, this recipe makes cooking stress-free and perfect for busy weeknights when complex meal prep feels overwhelming.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Ground beef and pantry staples combine to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
• Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Once layered and placed in the oven, this casserole needs minimal supervision, allowing you to tackle other tasks while a delicious dinner practically makes itself.

Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that adds richness to the casserole.

• Potatoes, Sliced: A classic comfort food ingredient that creates a satisfying and filling base for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: A creamy mixture that helps bind the ingredients and adds a smooth, rich flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef and potatoes.

• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: A melty, tangy cheese that provides a golden, bubbly finish to the casserole.

Cooking Instructions for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Blend until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Build First Layer

• Spread half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom
• Top with half of the cooked ground beef
• Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over everything

Step 5: Complete the Layers

• Remaining potato slices
• Remaining ground beef
• Remaining soup mixture
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for one hour.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then serve up this comforting meal to hungry loved ones.

Insider Tips for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes evenly, ensuring uniform cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Remove as much fat as possible after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing flavor.
• Opt for sharp cheddar to add depth of flavor, or experiment with monterey jack or colby for a slightly different taste profile.
• Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme between layers to enhance the overall taste and complexity of the casserole.
• Substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a healthier version without sacrificing delicious comfort food vibes.

Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger & potato casserole delivers classic comfort on a single plate. Midwestern home cooking shines through with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation that home cooks will appreciate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (lb) ground beef

Starches:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Thoroughly drain excess fat.
3. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
4. Create the first layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the casserole dish.
5. Distribute half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer.
6. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture across the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup mixture.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top layer to create a golden, melted finish.
9. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make meal assembly quick and easy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 467 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg