Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love? This 5-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal ingredients, and bakes into a delicious, comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a no-fuss solution when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make this dish your new go-to recipe!

this Recipe

What is Hamburger and Potato Casserole?

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole combines ground beef (aka hamburger meat) with thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy sauce, and cheese. The flavors blend together beautifully in the oven, creating a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. It's an all-in-one meal that pairs protein, carbs, and a little indulgent cheese, making it a filling and tasty option with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

You only need five basic ingredients to make this casserole, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen!

• 1 lb ground beef (hamburger meat)
• 5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (you can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, chopped (optional but adds great flavor)

Optional Ingredients

Want to add a little more flair or flavor? Here are some optional ingredients that complement this casserole:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for extra seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper for seasoning the meat and potatoes
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
• Paprika for a bit of smoky flavor

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly versatile, and you can adjust it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

• Swap the beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
• Add vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, carrots, or corn to add some color and nutrition to the dish.
• Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you want a different cheese flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free condensed soup to make this casserole gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this quick and easy casserole:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease and season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you're using onions, add them to the skillet and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about ¼-inch thick). This will ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
4. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of butter. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by half of the cream of mushroom soup. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup.
5. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden.
7. Let it rest: Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

How to Cook Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown ground beef and onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
4. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the potatoes, followed by half the ground beef, and half the soup. Repeat layers.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, then remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Though this recipe is easy, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Slicing the potatoes too thick: If the potato slices are too thick, they won’t cook through completely. Make sure the slices are about ¼-inch thick for even cooking.
• Skipping the seasoning: While the soup and cheese add flavor, don’t forget to season the ground beef and potatoes with salt and pepper. It makes a big difference in taste.
• Not covering the dish: Covering the dish with foil helps the potatoes steam and cook through. Removing the foil during the last 15-20 minutes allows the cheese to brown and become crispy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can make it extra special with a few serving ideas.

How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Family-style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop out their portions. Pair it with a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
• Individual portions: For a cleaner presentation, cut the casserole into squares and serve individual portions on plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions will brighten the dish and add a fresh element.
• Serve with a side of vegetables: Pair the casserole with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added color and nutrition.
• Add a dollop of sour cream: For a creamy, tangy finish, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you're ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if starting from cold.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then cook as directed.
• Add a crispy topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use raw ground beef instead of browning it first?
It’s best to brown the ground beef before adding it to the casserole to ensure it's fully cooked and flavorful. Raw beef would release too much grease during baking, which could result in a soggy dish.

Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes! Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar soup are great substitutes for cream of mushroom soup.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in the oven until warmed through.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! You can mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns or diced potatoes as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to thaw them first and reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the perfect no-fuss, weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're making it for a busy evening or freezing it for later, this recipe is a reliable go-to for anyone who loves a hearty, cheesy casserole. Try it out tonight and enjoy the delicious combination of hamburger, potatoes, and creamy goodness!

Print