Learn how to make Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole! A comfort food classic combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce for a warm filling dinner! With just five core ingredients and almost no prep, this is a great casserole for busy weeknights or when you want a filling meal that requires little fuss.
It begins with browning the ground beef to develop the flavor. Then there’s a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, which soak up the sauce as they cook, getting soft and flavorful. With the cream of mushroom soup and milk blended with a rich flavor, it is the perfect cream to hold the beef and bone together. And lastly, topping it all is a liberal sprinkling of cheddar cheese, which melts to a gooey, gooey finish and is impossible to pass up.
Baked for an hour or more, the casserole becomes uniform with the potatoes tender but distinct and the flavors beautifully melded. Serve it warm and give it a few minutes to set before slicing for easier cuts. This one-dish casserole is sure to be a hit with crowds, a symphony of both comfort and flavor.
Why You’ll Love It:
Minimal Ingredients: This is an affordable, quick-to-make meal with only 5 main ingredients — all of which are probably staples in your pantry.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Layer upon layer of potato and beef and cheese, this casserole is all comfort and satisfaction.
Good for Families: With its uncomplicated flavors and textures, this is a winner for kids and grown-ups.
It’s versatile: It’s simple to change up with add-ins, seasonings or varieties of cheese to meet your tastes.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (like 80/20) is great for this, as it gives flavor without introducing too much pocket grease. You can also substitute ground turkey, or even chicken, for a lighter option.
Potatoes: Use gold or russet potatoes since they hold up well when baking. Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes very thin so that they will cook through.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The soup serves a dual role as both a binder and a source of creamy flavor. For a different taste, feel free to swap with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
Milk: Thins out the soup and makes the casserole creamier. Whole milk or 2% is best, but feel free to use non-dairy milk, like almond or oat, to make it dairy-free.
Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, which melts well and makes a nice gooey, cheesy topping. And feel free to play around with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella or a cheddar blend.
Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C): To be sure that the casserole cooks evenly, set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Preheat the Skillet: Set a skillet over medium heat.
Brown the meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. It also gives the beef flavor, and makes sure they’re cooked through.
Drain and available: Drain grease to keep casserole not oily. Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper to taste, then reserve.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Slice the Potatoes: Peel (if desired) and thinly slice 4 large potatoes. Cut into thin wedges to for even cooking and tender potatoes.
Lay Down the Potatoes: Place down a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, which will be the bottom of the casserole.
Step 4: Build the Casserole
Add Beef Layer: Top the layer of potatoes with the cooked and seasoned ground beef evenly overtop to help balance the flavors in every bite.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk until smooth. This sauce helps make the beef and potatoes creamy.
Pour the Sauce: Pour the soup mixture over the beef layer, spreading it evenly to cover all ingredients.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
First Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This gives the potatoes time to cook through and the flavors time to blend.
Add the cheese: After 1 hour, take the casserole out and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a melty finish.
Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Set the Casserole: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Allowing the dish to rest during this time helps the layers firm up, making for easier, neater serving.
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Serving Suggestions:
Green Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed green beans, broccoli or a simple side salad to give freshness and balance out the richness.
Bread OR Rolls: For mopping up the creamy sauce, serve with a slice of crusty bread or with dinner rolls.
Hot Sauce: Add a little heat by serving a side of hot sauce or sprinkling on a bit of crushed red pepper.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration: Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for individual servings or as a whole. Wrap securely in foil, or place in an airtight container, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions to reheat, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. Top with some extra cheese for a gooey finish.
Variations:
Think Veggies: Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for a little moisture and a more well-rounded meal.
Spicy kick : Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the soup mixture or sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top.
Herb-flavored: Mix ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or Italian seasoning into the beef for an herbal slant.
How to make this casserole dairy-free: Use a non-dairy cream soup and plant-based milk.
Different Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar blend for a change in flavor.
Conclusion:
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a make ahead, hearty meal that is perfect to feed the family or meal prep for the week! Tender potatoes and savory beef come together to create a deliciously comforting bite, topped with a creamy, cheesy offering. Dig into every creamy, cheesy forkful!
Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef for the base layer
- 4 large potatoes thinly sliced
- 10.75 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup for binding the casserole
- 1/2 cup milk to thin the soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer. In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour this mixture over the beef layer, spreading it evenly.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier serving.