Quick 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Crafting a delightful hamburger & potato casserole demands minimal effort but promises maximum satisfaction.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this simple yet hearty dish.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with tender potato slices, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Weeknight dinners become stress-free with this uncomplicated recipe.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to produce a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Busy households appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together.

Dive in and savor every comforting bite of this satisfying dinner.

Why Five-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole Is a Time-Saver

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Tackle weeknight meals with this minimal-ingredient casserole that requires just a few steps from start to finish.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Create a hearty, satisfying meal that won't break the bank, using affordable ingredients everyone loves.
  • Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Combine classic flavors of beef, potatoes, and cheese that children and adults will devour without hesitation.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that delivers a complete meal packed with protein and comfort.

Ingredients for Five-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that adds substance and protein to the casserole.
Base Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes create a comforting and filling foundation for the casserole.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Shredded Cheese: These ingredients provide a creamy texture and rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make Five-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a large rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles while cooking.

Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess fat using a colander.

Step 3: Create Potato Base Layer

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Arrange the potato slices in a single, overlapping layer across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a complete coverage.

Step 4: Add Meat Layer

Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer, creating a uniform meat distribution that covers all the potatoes.

Step 5: Pour Creamy Sauce

Open a can of cream of mushroom soup and pour it directly over the beef and potato layers.

Use a spatula to spread the soup evenly, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Topping

Generously scatter shredded cheese over the entire casserole surface.

Lightly season with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.

Step 7: Bake And Finish

Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. During the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to turn golden and slightly crispy.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting and serving easier.

Slice into squares and serve hot.

Tips for a Flavorful Hamburger and Potato Casserole

  • Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Consider adding diced onions or minced garlic for extra depth and aromatic taste before layering beef.
  • Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt content and make the recipe more diet-friendly.

Variations for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using rice flour and vegetable broth.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, using vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom for added protein and depth.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef for a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Comfort Food Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors.

Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings – it travels well and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

Rustic Ranch-Style Meal: Pair with tangy pickles or coleslaw to cut through the casserole’s creamy texture and add a fresh crunch.

Weeknight Wellness Hack: Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

Best Storage for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This casserole requires minimal cooking skills and only five ingredients, making it perfect for novice cooks who want a delicious, hearty meal.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.

  • What side dishes work best with this casserole?

Green salads, steamed vegetables, or a simple coleslaw complement this dish wonderfully, adding freshness and nutritional balance to the meal.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this classic comfort food casserole.

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Quick 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Quick 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger & potato casserole delivers comfort with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction. Midwestern home cooking shines through simple layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese that melt together into a satisfying family meal you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Base:

  • 45 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F, creating an optimal cooking environment for the casserole.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain away excess grease to prevent a greasy dish.
  3. Prepare a greased baking dish by arranging potato slices in an even, overlapping layer to create a solid foundation for the casserole.
  4. Distribute the cooked ground beef evenly across the potato base, creating a hearty protein layer.
  5. Gently pour cream of mushroom soup over the beef and potatoes, allowing it to seep between the layers and provide moisture and flavor.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and promote even cooking. Bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
  8. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to transform into a golden, slightly crispy topping.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor complexity.
  • Consider adding diced onions or garlic to boost the overall taste profile and introduce more depth to the simple recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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