Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe That Wows Everyone

Quick and hearty, this hamburger and potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal ingredients.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated simple, satisfying meals like these.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

Ground beef mingles beautifully with tender potato slices, creating a robust flavor profile.

Crispy edges and a creamy interior make each bite irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this no-fuss casserole that everyone around the table will devour.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved family staple.

Five Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole Cravings

  • Craft Comfort Classic: A hearty Texan-inspired casserole that brings warmth and deliciousness to your dining table with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, different peppers, or adding extra spices to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core flavors.
  • Family Meal Champion: Perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-dish wonder satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its cheesy, savory layers and crowd-pleasing ingredients.
  • Quick Assembly Magic: Requires basic cooking skills and simple preparation steps, making it an ideal meal for home cooks of all experience levels who want a reliable dinner solution.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredient Essentials

For the Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the primary protein source for this comforting casserole.
For the Starch:
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a satisfying base layer that becomes tender and delicious during baking.
For the Creamy Base:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
For the Cheese Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, golden finish that adds extra richness and flavor to the dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These simple seasonings bring depth and enhance the savory taste of the ground beef.
For the Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Green Onions, Paprika: Add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished casserole.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Simple Step-By-Step Guide

Hamburger Potato Casserole Simple Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. If you’re adding onions, now’s the time to mix them in.

Seasonings to use:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Drain away any excess fat from the meat.

Step 3: Create the First Potato Layer

Spread a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Make sure they create an even, overlapping surface.

Step 4: Add the First Meat Layer

Scoop half of the cooked ground beef over the potato layer.

Spread it evenly to ensure every bite has some meaty goodness.

Step 5: Pour the First Soup Layer

Drizzle half of the cream of mushroom soup over the meat and potatoes.

Use a spatula to help it spread evenly.

Step 6: Repeat the Layering

Repeat the previous steps with the remaining ingredients:
  • Potato slices
  • Ground beef
  • Cream of mushroom soup

Step 7: Bake and Cover

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. The potatoes should become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. A light dusting of paprika can add a beautiful finishing touch.

Serve piping hot and enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones.

Tips For Flawless Hamburger Potato Casserole Meals

  • Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crispy, not soggy, final dish.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
  • Add extra flavor by mixing different cheese varieties or incorporating dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meat layer.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch-thickened cream of mushroom soup or a homemade dairy-free alternative.

Tasty Swaps For Hamburger Potato Casserole Fans

  • Southwest Spice Sensation: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add taco seasoning to ground beef, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Mediterranean Herb Harmony: Mix dried oregano and basil into ground beef, substitute cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, sprinkle with chopped kalamata olives.
  • Bacon Ranch Revival: Crumble cooked bacon into beef layer, substitute some potato slices with sweet potato, use ranch seasoning mix, top with ranch-flavored shredded cheese.
  • Vegetable Power Boost: Add diced bell peppers and zucchini to beef layer, use half ground turkey and half beef, incorporate spinach between potato layers, sprinkle with nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

What To Pair With Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cozy Family Dinner Night Spotlight: Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness and lightness to the rich dish.
  • Create a Sunday supper experience by serving alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or brussels sprouts for extra nutrition and color.
  • Transform leftovers into a quick lunch by reheating individual portions and topping with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess.
  • Elevate the meal for kids by cutting portions into fun shapes and adding a side of ketchup or ranch dressing for dipping, making dinnertime more playful and engaging.

Storing Five Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use any variety like russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes. Just slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

  • Is it okay to substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work great as alternatives. They’ll provide similar creamy texture and flavor.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and low-sodium cream soup. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

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Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger & potato casserole delights families with simple midwestern comfort. Savory ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal home cooks will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices. Drain any accumulated fat thoroughly.
  3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the potato slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Distribute an even layer of cooked ground beef over the potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Gently pour half of the cream of mushroom soup across the meat and potato layer, allowing it to spread evenly.
  6. Construct a second identical layer using remaining potato slices, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup.
  7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
  8. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese uniformly across the surface, and return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  9. Once cheese melts and turns golden, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a light dusting of paprika for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole, ensuring a crisp texture and clean flavor profile.
  • Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better structure and even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Consider low-fat cream of mushroom soup and lean ground beef for a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
  • Customize by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 488 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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