Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Are you in the mood for a comforting and easy-to-make meal that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients? Look no further than this mouthwatering 5-ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this casserole combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a way that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this budget-friendly, delicious dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!

this Recipe

What is Hamburger & Potato Casserole?

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines layers of seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes, creamy soup, and gooey melted cheese. This casserole is an all-in-one meal that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—using just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. This dish is perfect for those looking to save time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this easy 5-ingredient recipe:

1. Ground Beef (1 lb) – The heart of this dish, ground beef provides the rich and savory flavor base. You can choose lean beef to make it healthier or stick with regular ground beef for extra flavor.
2. Potatoes (4 medium-sized, thinly sliced) – The comforting carb in the casserole, potatoes soak up the delicious flavors of the beef and soup. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe, but you can use your favorite type.
3. Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – This creamy soup binds the casserole together and adds a savory element that complements both the beef and potatoes. You can substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup if you prefer.
4. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) – Cheese is the crowning glory of this casserole, giving it that melty, gooey goodness that everyone loves. Cheddar is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
5. Onion (1 medium, finely chopped) – The onion adds depth of flavor to the dish, giving it a mild sweetness and enhancing the overall taste. You can leave it out if you’re not an onion fan, but it really elevates the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations to try if you want to tweak the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs:

1. Meat Substitutes – If you prefer a healthier or vegetarian version, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground beef substitute. These options will still give you the hearty texture while cutting down on calories or making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
2. Potato Options – While russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work great, you can also experiment with sweet potatoes or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor profile. Sweet potatoes will add a bit of sweetness to balance the savory meat and cheese.
3. Cheese Variations – If you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand, feel free to try Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses. You can even use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
4. Soup Substitutes – Cream of mushroom soup is traditional, but you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream soup or make a homemade version using almond or coconut milk.
5. Add Veggies – To make this dish a bit more nutritious, consider adding some veggies. Peas, carrots, corn, or spinach are great options to layer into the casserole. They’ll add color, flavor, and vitamins.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients and potential substitutions ready, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole. Follow these simple steps for a hassle-free meal that will impress your family and friends.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Prepare the Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, wash and thinly slice your potatoes. You want the slices to be about ¼ inch thick to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
4. Layer the Casserole: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture. Pour half of the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, spreading it out evenly. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with the remaining soup.
5. Top with Cheese: Once your layers are complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This will create a delicious golden crust as it bakes.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Hamburger and Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these common mistakes in mind:

1. Not Cooking the Beef Fully: Make sure the ground beef is completely cooked before layering it into the casserole. Undercooked beef can ruin the texture and flavor of the dish.
2. Slicing Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices may not cook all the way through, leaving you with a casserole that has crunchy, undercooked potatoes. Thinly slice them to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Forgetting to Drain the Beef: Draining the excess fat from the beef is essential. If you don’t, your casserole may end up greasy and heavy.
4. Overcooking the Casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking. Overcooking can lead to dry beef and burnt cheese. Set a timer to ensure you don’t forget to take it out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation might not be the first thing that comes to mind with a casserole, but with a few simple tips, you can elevate this homey dish to something special.

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole after it’s baked. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich dish.
2. Serve with a Side Salad: Pairing your Hamburger and Potato Casserole with a fresh green salad helps to balance the richness of the dish. A vinaigrette dressing will cut through the creaminess of the casserole perfectly.

How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a hearty, filling dish that doesn’t require much in terms of sides. However, you can complement it with a few simple sides:

• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans are a perfect, light side to serve with this rich casserole.
• Dinner Rolls: A soft, buttery roll is perfect for mopping up any extra cheesy goodness on your plate.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

1. Serve in Individual Portions: Instead of serving from the baking dish, spoon out individual portions onto plates and garnish with herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
2. Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For a rustic presentation, you can bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet. It looks great straight from the oven and adds a bit of charm to your table.

Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add 10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Simply prepare it as directed, freeze it unbaked, and when ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   • Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and you’re good to go.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Absolutely. You can freeze leftover casserole for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
3. What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
   • Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
4. Can I use different types of cheese?
   • Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a cheese blend all work well.

Conclusion: A Delicious, Family-Friendly Meal

This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a fantastic go-to recipe for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With its few simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an affordable, satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try it tonight, and you’ll have a new family favorite that’s both delicious and easy to make!

Print