5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this simple hamburger and potato casserole that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Busy home cooks will adore this hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with creamy potatoes in a delightful one-pan meal.

Layers of tender potatoes nestled between seasoned meat create a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly and easily.

The recipe requires just five ingredients, making it a go-to solution for weeknight dinners when time is short and hunger is high.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and starch, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Cheese melts beautifully over the top, adding a golden, irresistible finish that transforms this casual casserole into something truly special.

Prepare to fall in love with this no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner that saves time without sacrificing taste.

Why This Hamburger Potato Casserole Is So Easy

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen, perfect for satisfying hungry families with minimal prep work.
• Incredibly Simple Preparation: Requires just five ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks or busy weeknight meals.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different preferences by adding extra seasonings, vegetables, or swapping cheese types to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for This 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole.

• Potatoes: Soft and comforting slices that add substance to the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty and golden topping that adds richness.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that brings everything together.

• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Onion: Optional ingredient for extra depth and aroma.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Light coating to prevent sticking in the baking dish.
• Foil: Protective covering during baking.

How to Prepare Hamburger Potato Casserole Fast

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a sizzling skillet over medium heat.

Season with salt and pepper.

Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it turn a beautiful golden brown.

If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some chopped onions for extra flavor.

Step 3: Drain and Prep

Once the beef is cooked, drain away any excess grease.

You want your casserole to be tasty, not swimming in fat.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of your greased baking dish.

These will create a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 5: Add the Meaty Layer

Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato base.

Make sure it’s distributed nicely so every bite has some meat.

Step 6: Cream Things Up

Pour cream of mushroom soup over the beef and potatoes.

Use a spatula to spread it out, creating a creamy blanket that will make this casserole irresistibly good.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheese across the top.

The more cheese, the merrier!

Step 8: First Bake

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 40-45 minutes.

This helps the potatoes become tender and lets all the flavors mingle.

Step 9: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and pop the casserole back in the oven for another 10 minutes.

This will help the cheese turn a beautiful golden brown and get slightly crispy.

Step 10: Serve and Devour

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Tips for Keeping It Simple and Delicious

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Remove all excess grease from beef to prevent a soggy, oily dish and maintain a crisp casserole consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack to enhance flavor profiles and add personal flair.
• Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that doesn't compromise on taste and comfort.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef while cooking to introduce deeper, more complex flavor dimensions to the simple casserole.

Best Storage Tips for Hamburger Potato Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if looking dry.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

What to Serve With Potato Casserole

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp Salads: Create a light, refreshing green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
• Complement with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the savory beef and cheesy flavors of the dish.
• Serve Alongside Steamed Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or green beans to introduce a fresh, nutritious element that cuts through the casserole's richness and provides color contrast.
• Elevate with Zesty Pickle Sides: Include dill pickles or a quick pickle salad to add a bright, acidic note that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the comforting casserole.

Simple Add-Ins for This Ground Beef Dish

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole that still offers substantial protein and rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Option: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a vegan diet without compromising the dish's cheesy appeal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this casserole safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this hamburger and potato casserole?

The key ingredients are ground beef, potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and basic seasonings like salt and pepper. These simple components create a hearty and delicious one-dish meal.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients that are typically already in most kitchens. Ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup are inexpensive, making this a wallet-friendly dinner option that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

• Can I customize the protein in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives. The cooking method remains the same, allowing flexibility based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding vegetables like frozen mixed vegetables, diced bell peppers, or spinach between the potato and beef layers. This boosts the nutritional value while maintaining the casserole’s comforting flavor profile.

Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty hamburger & potato casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising a simple yet satisfying meal. Savory layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a delicious family-friendly dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by warming the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by sautéing in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Optional: incorporate finely chopped onions for enhanced depth of flavor. Eliminate excess fat by thoroughly draining.
3. Construct the casserole foundation by creating an even layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Distribute the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the potato foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Enhance the moisture and richness by gently spreading cream of mushroom soup across the meat and potato layers, creating a smooth, consistent blanket.
6. Crown the casserole with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, promising a golden, melted topping.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften during a 40-45 minute baking cycle.
8. Uncover the casserole for the final 10 minutes, letting the cheese transform into a crispy, appetizing golden-brown surface.
9. Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period before serving this comforting, straightforward meal to eager diners.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by adding minced garlic or diced bell peppers to the ground beef for extra depth and nutrition.
• Swap regular ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier protein options.
• Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this comforting casserole.
• Boost vegetable intake by layering thin spinach leaves or adding diced zucchini between potato and beef layers for increased nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg