If you're looking for a simple, hearty, and delicious meal that will please the entire family, this 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is perfect! With minimal ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and a comforting flavor, this dish makes a great weeknight dinner. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a cheesy finish, it’s hard to resist this comfort food classic. Stick around to discover how to prepare this dish in no time and get the most out of these five basic ingredients!

What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
A Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a savory, filling baked dish that layers cooked ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy soup, and cheese. It’s a quintessential comfort food recipe that’s quick to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Despite the minimal ingredients, it delivers a rich, flavorful bite in every serving. Whether you're a busy parent, a beginner cook, or someone who enjoys straightforward meals, this casserole checks all the boxes!
Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Here's what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:
- 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef brings protein and heartiness to the casserole. Its savory flavor is the backbone of this recipe.
- 4 large potatoes (thinly sliced): Potatoes are the starchy base of the casserole. Thin slices cook faster and give the dish a soft, tender texture.
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: The condensed soup adds creaminess, moisture, and depth to the casserole, tying the ingredients together.
- ½ cup milk: Milk helps thin out the condensed soup and provides extra creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts over the top to create a rich, gooey layer that adds a cheesy tang to every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These simple seasonings enhance the flavor of the entire dish.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can make substitutions or variations based on your preferences or what's available in your pantry.
- Ground beef: You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Potatoes: Instead of russet potatoes, try using sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense alternative.
- Condensed soup: Not a fan of cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of cheddar soups work equally well.
- Cheese: If you’re not into cheddar, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to sneak in some veggies like peas, corn, or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! This 5-ingredient casserole is very easy to prepare and requires only a few steps before it’s ready to pop in the oven.

- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly.
- Mix the soup and milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, then add a layer of ground beef. Pour about half of the soup mixture over the top. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of potatoes. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After the first hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the layers a chance to settle and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Slice the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. The thinner you slice them, the faster and more evenly they will cook.
Step 4: Mix soup and milk
In a bowl, whisk together your condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk to create a smooth mixture.
Step 5: Layer the casserole
In a greased baking dish, layer your potatoes and cooked ground beef. Pour the soup mixture over each layer.
Step 6: Bake and add cheese
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then, uncover, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: Let it rest
Before slicing, allow the casserole to cool slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thick potato slices: Be sure to slice your potatoes thinly to avoid undercooked or crunchy potatoes.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season the ground beef and potatoes with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the flavors in the dish.
- Cheese too early: Adding the cheese too early can cause it to burn or become too crispy. Add the cheese in the final 15-20 minutes of baking for the best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your casserole is done, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Portion control: Slice the casserole into even portions using a sharp knife. This makes it easier to serve and gives a clean presentation.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing the casserole with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Side dishes: Pair this casserole with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal.
How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Serve your Hamburger & Potato Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a make-ahead meal. This casserole also stores well, so leftovers can be enjoyed the next day.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Make your casserole more appealing by topping it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. You can also present it in individual ramekins for a more elegant touch. If you're serving a crowd, portion the casserole into neat squares and arrange them on a large platter for a buffet-style presentation.
Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Pre-cook potatoes for faster baking: If you're in a rush, you can pre-cook the potatoes by boiling them for a few minutes before layering them in the casserole. This reduces the overall baking time.
- Use a mandoline slicer: To achieve uniformly thin potato slices, use a mandoline slicer. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply cover it with foil and bake when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked beef can save you time, especially if you’re batch-cooking or using leftovers.
Q: What other cheese can I use?
A: If you don’t have cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, swap the condensed soup for a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk, and skip or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a comforting, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal. With just five ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping, or just craving something warm and hearty, this casserole delivers. Try it today and enjoy the flavors of home-cooked comfort food with none of the hassle!
PrintEasy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
This easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole combines layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's an ideal quick family meal that delivers comfort and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked beef evenly over the potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then pour half of it over the beef.
- Add the remaining potato slices on top.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top layer of potatoes.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking.
- Use ground turkey as a substitute for beef for a leaner option.
- Optional: Add onions or garlic for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (⅙ of the dish)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
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