Looking for a simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is just what you need! It’s a no-fuss comfort food that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this delicious dish that the whole family will love!

What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
A Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a hearty, layered dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese to create a filling, flavorful meal. It’s the perfect all-in-one recipe for feeding a hungry group. You only need five simple ingredients to make this casserole, making it a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade, delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of the five ingredients you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering casserole:
- Ground Beef (Hamburger Meat) – 1 pound
- Ground beef is the star of the show here, offering a rich, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Potatoes – 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- Potatoes provide that signature comfort food feel with their soft, tender texture and mild taste.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
- This creamy soup brings moisture and flavor, binding everything together while adding a rich, savory undertone.
- Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups (shredded)
- Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, giving the casserole a gooey, irresistible top layer that’s both cheesy and delicious.
- Onion – 1 small onion (chopped)
- Onion adds a depth of flavor and a bit of texture to the dish, complementing the beef and potatoes nicely.
These five ingredients come together to create a simple but flavorful casserole that you can easily adjust to suit your taste!
Substitutions and Variations
Want to tweak the recipe to your liking? Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can try:
- Meat Substitutes:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version of the casserole.
- Cheese Options:
- Don’t have cheddar on hand? Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby instead. You can also mix cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup Alternatives:
- If you're not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. You can also make your own homemade version using a roux and mushrooms for a fresh touch.
- Potato Variations:
- Instead of regular potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor or frozen hash browns to save time on peeling and slicing.
- Add Vegetables:
- Toss in some extra veggies like green beans, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
- Topping Ideas:
- For a crunchy topping, consider sprinkling bread crumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Hamburger & Potato Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds (about ⅛ inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Once browned, stir in the chopped onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
- Spoon half of the cream of mushroom soup over the meat, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
- After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Let It Rest
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick recap, here’s a simplified version of the cooking process:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the potatoes and brown the ground beef with onions.
- Layer potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 60 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with an easy recipe like this, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not slicing the potatoes thin enough: Thicker slices take longer to cook, which could result in undercooked potatoes.
- Forgetting to drain the ground beef: Skipping this step can lead to a greasy casserole.
- Overcooking the casserole: Be mindful of your bake time, as overbaking can make the potatoes mushy and the cheese too crusty.
- Using too much salt: The cream of mushroom soup and cheese already contain salt, so be cautious if you decide to add extra seasoning.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Hamburger & Potato Casserole can elevate the dish from simple to sensational. Here are a few ideas:
How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Slice the casserole into neat squares for easy serving. Use a sharp knife to create clean edges, and a spatula to carefully lift each portion onto plates.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and a fresh bite.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer: This ensures even, thin potato slices that cook consistently.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
- Freeze for later: You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Adjust baking time for glass dishes: If using a glass baking dish, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes can save time. Just make sure they’re thawed before layering.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Conclusion
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a perfect solution for anyone seeking a quick, comforting, and delicious meal. Whether you're feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply want to enjoy a cozy dinner at home, this recipe delivers flavor and convenience. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking—you won’t regret it!
PrintEasy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a quick, hearty meal perfect for busy families. Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese come together effortlessly for a delicious casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. Enjoy a satisfying meal with just a few ingredients!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheese
- Onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Layer sliced potatoes at the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Spread cooked beef over the potatoes.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup with a little water, pour over the beef and potatoes.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake for 60 minutes until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Add spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Try substituting cream of chicken soup for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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