Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Made Simple

Hearty and comforting, this 5-ingredient hamburger & potato casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Busy home cooks adore this simple dish that combines ground beef with creamy potatoes in one delightful meal.

Layers of tender potatoes and seasoned meat create a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly.

Every bite promises rich, home-style goodness without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

The casserole brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, making it perfect for weeknight meals.

Comfort food fans will fall in love with this straightforward, budget-friendly recipe that feeds hungry families with ease.

Dive into this delicious one-pan wonder that proves sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 435 kcal

Servings: 5

5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Essentials

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and protein punch; choose lean variety for healthier option and better texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances meat's natural taste and brings out deep, savory notes.

• Potatoes: Creates comforting, creamy foundation; select firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for even cooking and smooth texture.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Delivers rich, velvety sauce that connects ingredients; opt for low-sodium version to control saltiness.
• Milk: Helps thin soup and create silky consistency; whole milk adds extra creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy topping with irresistible melted golden crust; sharp varieties provide more intense flavor profile.

Must-Have Tools for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef thoroughly and draining excess fat.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides perfect size for layering potatoes, beef, and creating a delicious casserole.
• Whisk: Needed to blend condensed soup and milk smoothly.
• Knife: Helps peel and thinly slice potatoes with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for potato preparation.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading layers evenly and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring bowl: Helps mix soup and milk accurately.

Simple Instructions for 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen companion to a cozy 350°F, ready to transform simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

• Beef Foundation

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, letting it sizzle and dance while breaking into delicious crumbles. Season with a whisper of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

• Potato Base

Create a golden landscape of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of a welcoming baking dish. Let them form a hearty foundation for the casserole.

• Creamy Fusion

Gently blend cream of mushroom soup with milk, creating a silky blanket to drape over the beef. Pour this dreamy mixture across the layers, ensuring every bite will be rich and satisfying.

• Cheese Crown

Slide the casserole into the warm oven for an hour. Then sprinkle a snowy layer of shredded cheddar on top, returning to bake until the cheese melts into a gorgeous golden blanket.

• Resting Period

Allow the casserole a peaceful moment to settle – about 5 minutes – before serving. This brief pause helps the layers meld together, promising a perfect scoop on every plate.

Swaps for Hamburger & Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Smart Seasoning Secrets: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to add depth and complexity to the ground beef's flavor profile.
• Potato Power Play: Try using sweet potatoes or a mix of russet and red potatoes for varied textures and a nutritional boost that keeps the dish interesting.
• Protein Swap Strategy: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the casserole's comforting essence.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Sneak in extra nutrition by layering thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach between the potato and beef layers for added color and wholesome goodness.
• Cheese Champion Move: Mix different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to create a more complex and exciting flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add freshness to your plate.
• Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to introduce some vibrant vegetables and create a complete, nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Complement the casserole with warm, buttered dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying texture contrast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Pick: Bring this dish to gatherings, as it travels well and reheats perfectly, making it an ideal option for shared meals where comfort food is always welcome.

Save Leftovers from Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up two casseroles simultaneously and freeze one for later, saving precious time during busy weeknights. Simply wrap the unbaked second casserole tightly in aluminum foil before freezing.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Always refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and optimal taste quality.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive cold casserole slices by covering with foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This method helps restore moisture and prevents drying out the delicious layers.
• Portion Control Magic: Cut the casserole into individual servings before storing. Wrap each portion separately for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners that feel freshly prepared.

Hearty 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Midwestern hamburger & potato casserole delivers hearty comfort on a plate. Home cooks appreciate this simple, satisfying dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in one delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 10.75 oz (305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, setting the stage for a comforting culinary experience.
2. Meat Transformation: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into delectable crumbles and draining excess fat to ensure a lean, flavorful base.
3. Potato Foundation: Layer thinly sliced potatoes across a greased baking dish, creating a sturdy and inviting canvas for the upcoming layers.
4. Protein Integration: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato base, establishing a robust protein-rich stratum.
5. Sauce Creation: Blend condensed mushroom soup and milk into a silky, luxurious sauce, gently pouring it over the meat to guarantee complete and even coverage.
6. Initial Baking: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for one hour, developing deep, interconnected flavors and tender textures.
7. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top, returning the dish to the oven and baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crown.
8. Resting and Serving: Withdraw the casserole from the oven, letting it rest momentarily to allow the layers to settle and flavors to harmonize before presenting this comforting dish.

Notes

• Potato Perfection: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Fat Management: Thoroughly drain ground beef to prevent excess grease and maintain a lighter, more enjoyable dish.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and superior flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Resting Ritual: Allow casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg