5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Hearty, Easy Dinner Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying dinner that everyone will love? This 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is a comforting classic that brings together tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese—all baked into one delicious dish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple, filling, and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Only 5 basic ingredients
- Quick prep, under 15 minutes
- Comforting, creamy, and cheesy
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- Family- and freezer-friendly
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – You can use lean ground beef or whatever you have on hand.
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best.
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup milk – Helps thin the soup into a rich, pourable sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds melty, golden goodness on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Hamburger & Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash, peel, and thinly slice your potatoes into even, thin rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer to make them uniform, which helps them cook evenly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will form a rich, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In your greased baking dish:
- Start with a layer of sliced potatoes.
- Add a layer of cooked ground beef.
- Pour a portion of the creamy soup mixture over the top.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of cheddar cheese spread evenly across the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Slice your potatoes very thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Add optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Use shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different twist.
- Add a layer of sautéed onions or bell peppers for more texture and taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
- To make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this casserole with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- A light soup starter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead?
Yes! Cream of chicken or cream of celery also works well in this dish.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. It will slightly change the flavor but still taste great.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based ground meat and cream of mushroom soup that’s vegetarian-friendly.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
No, just slice them thin enough to cook through in the oven.
Final Thoughts:
This 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the kind of no-fuss, down-home comfort food that never goes out of style. With minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and a taste the whole family will love, it’s no wonder this dish is a weeknight favorite across generations.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers every time—creamy, cheesy, beefy, and perfectly satisfying.Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy