Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes center stage with this simple hamburger and potato casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a satisfying meal everyone will adore.

Busy weeknights demand quick and tasty solutions, and this recipe delivers with minimal effort.

Ground beef, potatoes, and a few pantry staples come together in a mouthwatering dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

The layers of flavor develop beautifully as the casserole bakes to golden perfection.

Rich, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single bite of this comforting classic.

Hamburger & Potato Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for a hearty comfort meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat And Aromatics

Grab a skillet and brown the ground beef with diced onions, letting the flavors dance and mingle.

Once done, drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Grab a baking dish and lovingly arrange your layers:
  • Sliced potatoes
  • Seasoned beef mixture
  • Creamy mushroom soup

Each layer builds deliciousness and anticipation.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Shower the top with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring every bite will be melty and irresistible.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover your masterpiece and slide into the oven.

Let it bubble and transform for about an hour, or until the potatoes become tender and golden.

The aroma will have everyone hovering around the kitchen, eager to dig in.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your bubbling casserole, let it rest for a few minutes, then scoop out generous portions.

Watch as family and friends devour this comforting, simple meal with pure joy.

Tips for Simple Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Cut potato slices to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and perfect tenderness throughout the dish.
  • Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary between layers to add depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Let casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a beautiful golden crust.
  • Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this comforting meal.

New Ways to Try Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils, using roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.

Serving Hamburger Potato Casserole Warm

  • Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, comforting flavors.
  • Veggie Boost Companion: Steam some broccoli or green beans on the side to add a nutritious and colorful element to the meal.
  • Bread Pairing Perfection: Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls complement the casserole's creamy texture and help soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Zesty Topping Twist: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and a fresh, light garnish that brightens the dish.

Storage for Hamburger Potato Casserole Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of milk if needed to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to ensure even heating and retain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, thawed frozen diced potatoes work perfectly and can save you prep time.

  • What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes that will still provide great flavor and moisture.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! With just 5 ingredients and affordable staples like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, this casserole is extremely economical and feeds a whole family.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Five Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Perfection

  • Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This recipe delivers hearty, homestyle goodness with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
  • Celebrate Budget-Friendly Cooking: Using affordable staples like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, this casserole stretches your grocery budget without compromising flavor or nutrition.
  • Customize With Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different vegetables, or herbs to make this dish uniquely yours, allowing creativity in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheese, making mealtime a stress-free, enjoyable experience.

Ingredients for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the ground beef, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Starch Base:
  • Potatoes: Creates a satisfying and filling foundation for the casserole, providing a creamy texture when baked.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cheddar Cheese: Work together to create a rich, creamy sauce that brings moisture and tangy cheese flavor to the dish.
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Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger & potato casserole delivers classic comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens. Creamy layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese promise a satisfying meal that brings families together at the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Starches:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Sauté ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat into crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains; carefully drain accumulated grease.
  3. Create initial layer of thinly sliced potatoes across bottom of greased baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Spread browned beef and onion mixture uniformly over potato base.
  5. Gently pour cream of mushroom soup across the entire surface, using spatula to distribute evenly and cover meat layer completely.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top, creating a complete cheese blanket.
  7. Seal baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
  8. Slide casserole into preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, checking potato tenderness with a fork around 50-minute mark.
  9. Remove foil during final 10 minutes to allow cheese to develop golden, slightly crispy texture.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the classic comfort food and introduce additional depth to the recipe.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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