If you're on the hunt for an easy and budget-friendly meal that requires minimal ingredients and effort, this 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is just what you need. This simple, hearty dish combines layers of ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection in one casserole dish. With only five basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting dinner on the table without a lot of fuss. Keep reading to learn how to whip up this quick and delicious casserole that the whole family will love!

What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?

A Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that layers seasoned ground beef and thinly sliced potatoes, usually topped with a creamy sauce or cheese, and then baked until tender and bubbly. It's like a warm hug in the form of a casserole—hearty, filling, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of juicy ground beef and starchy potatoes, all baked together with a creamy sauce, makes it the perfect all-in-one meal that requires little prep time and cleanup. Now, let’s get to the ingredients you'll need for this easy, 5-ingredient version.

Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

1 lb ground beef: The star protein in this casserole. You can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
4-5 medium potatoes: Thinly sliced. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture and flavor.
1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup: This is the creamy element that brings everything together. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery if you prefer.
½ cup milk: Helps to thin out the soup and create a creamy sauce. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even a plant-based milk alternative.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheese on top adds that final, delicious touch.

Substitutions and Variations

Though this casserole is simple with only five ingredients, there are plenty of ways you can modify it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:

Ground beef alternatives: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer.
Potato alternatives: Sweet potatoes or even a bag of frozen hash browns can be used for a slightly different flavor or texture.
Soup options: If you're not a fan of cream of mushroom, try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce.
Add-ins: Feel free to add frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and texture.
Cheese variations: While cheddar is classic, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or any similarly sized casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Slice the potatoes: While the beef is browning, thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. You want the slices to be as uniform as possible so that they cook evenly in the oven.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup and the ½ cup of milk until smooth.
Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Then add half of the browned ground beef on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover and bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat and prep: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and grease your casserole dish. Greasing the dish ensures that nothing sticks and that cleanup is easier.
Brown the beef: Cooking the ground beef first is important because it adds flavor and ensures it’s fully cooked before going into the casserole. Be sure to drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
Slice the potatoes: The thinner you slice your potatoes, the quicker they will cook. Aim for about ⅛-inch thick slices for the best results. You can use a mandoline to get perfectly even slices.
Layering: When layering the ingredients, make sure to spread them out evenly. This ensures that every bite has a good balance of beef, potatoes, and sauce.
Baking: Baking the casserole covered allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together. Removing the foil at the end helps the cheese get that perfect golden brown, bubbly finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slicing potatoes too thick: If your potato slices are too thick, they might not cook through properly. Thin slices will ensure even cooking.
Skipping the cover: Make sure to cover the casserole for the majority of the baking time. This traps steam, helping the potatoes soften as they bake.
Not draining the beef: Draining the fat from the ground beef is important to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Undercooking the potatoes: Be sure to test the potatoes for doneness before removing the casserole from the oven. If they're not tender, cover the dish and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Though this Hamburger & Potato Casserole is delicious all on its own, you can serve it with a few simple sides to round out the meal:

Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, peas, or a fresh garden salad for a light contrast to the rich casserole.
Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls would be perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
Condiments: Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for extra flavor.

How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole

To serve, scoop the casserole directly from the dish using a large spoon or spatula, ensuring that each portion has both potatoes and ground beef. Serve it family-style from the casserole dish, and don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley if you have some on hand.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

While this dish is meant to be rustic and comforting, you can still make it look appealing:

Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving style: Serve the casserole in small individual bowls or ramekins for a more personalized presentation.
Cheese topping: For an extra touch of indulgence, add a little extra cheese and broil it for a minute or two to get a golden, crispy finish on top.

Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. If baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Freeze it: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it (but don’t bake), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Double the recipe: Feeding a larger crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish or make two separate casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or even corn can enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole. You can layer them in with the potatoes and beef.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just follow the instructions as normal.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire casserole in the oven.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers 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 perfect solution for busy nights when you need a hearty, comforting meal on the table with minimal effort. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious casserole that the whole family will love. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and so easy to make ahead. Give it a try, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation!