Craving a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal effort? This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the perfect answer. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and made with just a handful of pantry staples. You’ll love the savory flavor of ground beef paired with tender potatoes and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that you can have on the table in no time!

What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
A Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that layers ground beef (hamburger), sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese. With just five basic ingredients, this casserole is ideal for those nights when you want a homemade meal with minimal prep and fuss. The ingredients cook together in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a warm, filling dish that’s perfect for dinner or even potlucks.
Ingredients List for Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Here are the only five ingredients you need to make this easy, comforting casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (hamburger meat)
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, if you count it as a "free" pantry item)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional, for seasoning)
Ingredients List for Sauce and Topping
This casserole's flavor and creamy texture come from its sauce and cheesy topping. Here’s how they break down:
For the Sauce:
- Cream of mushroom soup: This is the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and moisture to the casserole.
- Optional additions: If you want more flavor, you can stir in some sour cream or milk, but these are not necessary for this 5-ingredient version.
For the Topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create a gooey, cheesy finish. You can also substitute with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses.
Substitutions and Variations
This 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is simple, but you can still mix it up with a few easy substitutions and variations to suit your tastes:
- Meat options: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Plant-based ground meat can also be substituted for a vegetarian version.
- Potato alternatives: Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor. You could also use frozen diced hash browns for even quicker prep.
- Soup choices: Cream of mushroom soup is the classic choice, but you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- Cheese options: While cheddar is the classic topping, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Colby Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Additional vegetables: You can layer in some veggies like sliced carrots or peas for extra nutrition without adding complexity.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. The thinner the slices, the faster they’ll cook and become tender.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes. Pour half of the cream of mushroom soup over the top, spreading it with a spatula to cover evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the steps for this easy 5-ingredient casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef and slice the potatoes.
- Layer potatoes, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup in a greased baking dish.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Hamburger & Potato Casserole comes out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Slicing potatoes too thick: Thin, even slices are key to making sure the potatoes cook through completely. If they’re too thick, they may still be firm after baking.
- Not draining the ground beef: Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Forgetting to cover the casserole: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps trap moisture, allowing the potatoes to soften and cook through evenly.
- Overbaking the cheese: Once you remove the foil, keep an eye on the casserole so the cheese doesn’t overbrown or burn.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Hamburger & Potato Casserole is baked to perfection, you’ll want to serve it up in a way that makes the meal even more enjoyable.
- Family-style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, placing it in the center of the table for everyone to scoop their own portions.
- Individual servings: For a more refined presentation, slice the casserole into squares and plate each portion individually, adding a little garnish if you like.
- Add a fresh side: Balance the hearty casserole with a light side dish like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness.
How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole
While this casserole is a filling meal on its own, you can elevate it with a few simple sides:
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted or steamed veggies: Serve alongside roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Dinner rolls or bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls is perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Here are a few tips to enhance the visual appeal of your casserole:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
- Cheese crust: For an extra golden and crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
- Serve in colorful bakeware: Use a brightly colored or patterned baking dish to make the meal even more inviting.
Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.
- Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking, or freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a large crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to extend the baking time slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use raw ground beef instead of browning it first?
It’s best to brown the ground beef before layering it in the casserole. This ensures that the meat is fully cooked and avoids extra grease in the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap and foil, and bake as directed when you’re ready.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor without complicating the recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a simple and satisfying dish. Whether you're serving it fresh from the oven or freezing leftovers for later, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors!
PrintEasy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole combines ground beef, sliced potatoes, creamy soup, and cheese for a simple, satisfying meal. With just five basic ingredients, this casserole is quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights. Serve this comforting dish for a hearty family dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
- Onion (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Brown ground beef with diced onions (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and layer them in the casserole dish.
- Spread browned beef over the potatoes, then top with cream of mushroom soup.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove foil, add shredded cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a variation.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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