Looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal for busy weeknights? This 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is the answer! Combining classic flavors of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender potatoes, this casserole is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it's incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Read on for the full recipe, complete with tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Don’t miss out on these easy steps to create a mouthwatering family dinner in no time!
What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
A hamburger and potato casserole is a one-dish meal that features layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce made from condensed cream of mushroom soup. The dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese, which adds a rich flavor and crispy texture. It's an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner because it requires only a few simple ingredients, yet it delivers big on flavor.
Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
To make this delicious and comforting casserole, you'll need just five main ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best for this recipe due to their texture and flavor.
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: This acts as the creamy base for the casserole.
- ½ cup milk: Thins out the condensed soup to create a smooth sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy, golden crust to the casserole.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential to bring out the flavors of the dish.
Ingredients List for Topping and Extra Flavor (Optional)
Though this casserole shines with just five ingredients, you can elevate the flavor with these optional add-ins:
- 1 small onion, diced: Sauté with the ground beef for extra flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy umami boost.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, or corn can add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives): For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped herbs over the baked casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to tweak this hamburger and potato casserole recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Ground turkey or chicken: If you're looking for a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Sweet potatoes: For a healthier twist, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
- Cream of chicken soup: If you're not a fan of mushroom soup, cream of chicken works well as an alternative.
- Vegan or dairy-free version: Use plant-based ground meat, dairy-free cheese, and a can of dairy-free cream soup for a vegan version.
- Add bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to prepare your hamburger and potato casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the cooked beef aside.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
While the beef is cooking, wash and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick. This will help the potatoes cook evenly in the oven.
Step 4: Mix the Soup and Milk
In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This mixture will form the creamy sauce for the casserole.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef on top. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and form a golden crust during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing a hamburger and potato casserole, here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Not slicing the potatoes thin enough: Thick potato slices will take longer to cook and may remain underdone. Aim for ¼-inch slices.
- Overcooking the ground beef: Cook the beef just until it's browned. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Not seasoning the layers: Potatoes can be bland, so season each layer with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes helps the layers firm up, making it easier to serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A well-presented dish can make all the difference! Here are some tips for serving and presenting your hamburger and potato casserole:
How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Portion size: Cut the casserole into squares or rectangles for neat servings. Use a large spatula to lift each portion from the dish.
- Pair with sides: Serve this casserole with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish: For added color and flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over each serving before bringing it to the table.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Family-style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the center of the table for a casual, family-style meal.
- Individual servings: Plate each portion individually and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a more polished presentation.
- Layered look: For a visual effect, use clear baking dishes that allow the layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese to be seen from the side.
Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Make it ahead of time, freeze it, and then bake it straight from frozen for a quick and easy meal.
- Double the recipe: If you're cooking for a crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Just be sure to increase the cooking time as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef. Just keep in mind that different meats will change the overall flavor.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If cooking from cold, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables or sautéed onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
This easy 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Try it out today and enjoy a satisfying dish that the whole family will love!
Don't forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with your friends—comfort food this good deserves to be passed on!
PrintEasy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
This simple 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is perfect for a quick, comforting dinner. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese with a creamy mushroom soup base make it a go-to weeknight recipe. Keywords: 5-ingredient casserole, hamburger casserole, easy dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk.
- Layer half of the potatoes in a greased casserole dish. Add half of the ground beef, then pour half of the soup mixture over it. Repeat the layers.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Adding some vegetables like peas or carrots could enhance flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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