The Best Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Hungry souls crave this simple hamburger & potato casserole that combines comfort with minimal kitchen effort.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that satisfy everyone around the table.

Hearty ingredients merge into a delicious one-pan marvel that saves time and pleases picky eaters.

Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese create a mouthwatering meal without complicated techniques.

Home cooks appreciate how fast this dish comes together with just five ingredients.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, making this casserole a smart choice for busy families.

Dive in and savor every delectable, cheesy bite of this no-fuss dinner solution.

How to Store Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef. Just make sure to season it well for maximum flavor.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when baked. Slice them uniformly for even cooking.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version and use a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese for a lactose-free option.

Why Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Is So Quick

• Quick Family Comfort: This hearty casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with minimal prep work, perfect for busy households craving a satisfying meal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup makes this dish incredibly economical without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Requiring just five core ingredients and basic cooking skills, anyone can master this delicious one-dish wonder that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding hungry families, this casserole adapts easily and provides a complete meal in a single baking dish.

Ingredients for Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create layers of comfort and help fill out the casserole with a classic starchy element.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients combine to create a creamy, rich sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty topping that adds extra flavor and a golden, crispy finish to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the ground beef and help balance the dish.

How to Make Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for a hearty meal.

Step 2: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Grab a skillet and cook the ground beef until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Sprinkle salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create The First Potato Layer

Take a greased casserole dish and spread out a delicious layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom.

Step 4: Add The Meaty Goodness

Distribute the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer, creating a delectable base.

Step 5: Prepare The Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Pour half of this creamy mixture over the beef layer.

Step 6: Build The Second Potato Layer

Cover the beef with another round of sliced potatoes, creating a beautiful potato blanket.

Step 7: Pour Remaining Sauce

Drizzle the rest of the creamy soup mixture over the top potato layer, ensuring everything gets a nice coating.

Step 8: Cover And Bake

Wrap the dish in foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for a full hour, letting all the flavors mingle and merge.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve up this comforting dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Pro Tips for Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a lighter, cleaner taste.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, guaranteeing consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after adding cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a perfect golden-brown top.
• Swap regular cream of mushroom soup for a low-sodium version to control salt intake without compromising flavor.
• Sprinkle chopped onions or add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables between potato layers for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

Variations on Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free alternative and use certified gluten-free shredded cheese.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and pepper jack cheese to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Ideas for Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, warm flavors and add a fresh crunch.
• Veggie Power Boost: Roast some broccoli or green beans on the side to increase nutritional value and provide a colorful contrast to the golden potato and beef dish.
• Comfort Meal Pairing: Complement the casserole with tangy pickles or a dollop of sour cream on top to enhance the creamy, savory taste and add a zesty touch.
• Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with cold beer or a light red wine, making it ideal for relaxed family meals or potlucks.

Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger & potato casserole delivers classic comfort with minimal effort. Simple midwestern ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Starches:

• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 can (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a greased casserole dish for the layered meal.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, seasoning with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.
3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the casserole dish.
4. Distribute the cooked beef evenly over the potato base, ensuring uniform coverage.
5. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk in a separate bowl until smoothly combined.
6. Gently pour half of the soup and milk mixture over the beef layer, allowing it to seep between ingredients.
7. Add the remaining potato slices as a top layer, creating a complete potato coverage.
8. Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the final potato layer, ensuring complete moistening.
9. Seal the casserole dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, and return to oven.
11. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Optimize meat flavor by using high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier results.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking cheese ingredients.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg