Looking for a quick and easy meal that your whole family will love? This 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole recipe is a simple, hearty dish that's packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting casserole that's great for a weeknight dinner or any time you're craving something filling and delicious. Read on to discover how to make this crowd-pleasing recipe, along with some tips and variations that will take your cooking to the next level.
What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish made with ground beef (often referred to as "hamburger" in many parts of the U.S.) and sliced or diced potatoes. These ingredients are layered or mixed together, often with a creamy sauce or cheese, and then baked to perfection in the oven. It’s the type of no-fuss meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
This recipe uses only five ingredients, making it a go-to option when you need to whip up something tasty without a lot of effort or extra trips to the grocery store. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this hamburger and potato casserole hits all the right notes.
Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet delicious 5-ingredient casserole:
- Ground Beef (Hamburger) – 1 pound of lean ground beef. Choose 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat, though you can opt for a leaner option if you prefer.
- Potatoes – 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. These varieties work well in casseroles because they hold their shape but also become tender when baked.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup. This adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. You can use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, or mild cheddar if you prefer something milder.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, chopped. This adds a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
That’s it! Just five ingredients for a complete meal. Now, let’s dive into some optional ingredients and variations if you’d like to switch things up.
Substitutions and Variations
While the base recipe is straightforward, there are many ways to customize your hamburger and potato casserole to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:
- Cheese Variations: Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor. You could even add Parmesan for an extra punch.
- Potato Options: You can use red potatoes or sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor. Sweet potatoes will add a slight sweetness that complements the savory beef and cheese.
- Cream of Soup Alternatives: Don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Swap it out for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different twist. You could also make your own cream sauce using a roux and some milk if you prefer homemade.
- Add Veggies: Want to make the dish a bit healthier or more colorful? Add some frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or bell peppers. You could even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Spices & Seasonings: While this recipe is simple, feel free to season your ground beef with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for more depth. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to assemble and bake your casserole. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect hamburger and potato casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prep the Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes thinly. You want them to be about ¼ inch thick so that they cook evenly in the oven.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half of the browned ground beef over the potatoes. Top with half of the chopped onions. Then, spread half of the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and onion layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the soup. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole 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, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1 – Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly once it’s in the oven.
- Step 2 – Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces and cook it until no pink remains.
- Step 3 – Slice the Potatoes: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice your potatoes thinly, about ¼ inch thick. This will ensure they cook all the way through in the casserole.
- Step 4 – Layer the Ingredients: Layer half the potatoes, beef, onions, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. Repeat to create a second layer with the remaining ingredients.
- Step 5 – Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Slicing Potatoes Thinly Enough: Thick potato slices may not cook evenly, leaving you with crunchy, undercooked potatoes. Always aim for thin, even slices.
- Overcooking the Beef: Make sure to cook the beef just until it’s browned. Overcooked beef can become dry and chewy in the casserole.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your hamburger and potato casserole is ready, it’s time to serve it in a way that makes it even more appealing. Here are some ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a Simple Salad: Serve your casserole with a light side salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A vinaigrette-based salad works especially well.
- Serve Family Style: Bring the casserole dish straight to the table and serve it family-style, letting everyone dig in for a cozy, homey feel.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Individual Casserole Dishes: Serve the casserole in small, individual baking dishes for a more personalized presentation.
- Layered in Clear Glass Dish: If you have a clear glass casserole dish, use it! The layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese create a visually appealing look.
Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Just bake it first, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef and will make the dish lighter.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes, feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. They’ll add color and nutrients to the dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a versatile, delicious dish that’s perfect for a simple family dinner. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make some of the variations suggested, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try tonight!
PrintEasy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
This easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Combining ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and seasonings, it’s an affordable and delicious dinner option for the whole family. Keywords: 5-ingredient casserole, easy hamburger casserole, potato casserole, simple family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Layer thinly sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Spread cooked beef over the potatoes.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup over the beef and potatoes.
- Top with shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add onions or garlic to the ground beef.
Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with other flavors like cream of chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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