When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats the convenience of a casserole. With just five simple ingredients, this hamburger and potato casserole is a perfect solution for busy families or anyone looking for a no-fuss, hearty meal. Casseroles are beloved for their simplicity, and this recipe takes it a step further by using pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese. It’s an affordable, easy-to-make dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort.
Not only is this casserole quick to assemble, but it’s also versatile and forgiving for beginner cooks. There’s no need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The final result is a creamy, cheesy, and savory casserole, where tender slices of potatoes soak up the delicious flavors of ground beef and mushroom soup, all topped with golden, melted cheddar cheese.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this 5-ingredient casserole is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe. Expect a warm, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week with minimal effort and time.
Ingredients Breakdown
The simplicity of this hamburger and potato casserole lies in its carefully selected core ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering the dish’s rich flavor and satisfying texture.
1 lb Ground Beef
Ground beef serves as the heart of this casserole, bringing savory richness and a good source of protein. Its natural fats add depth to the dish, complementing the creamy base and the tender potatoes. For those looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes. They reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a hearty flavor. Alternatively, ground sausage can add a more robust and spiced flavor profile.
4 Large Potatoes
Potatoes are a key component, offering substance and texture to the casserole. Slicing the potatoes thinly is essential for even cooking, as thicker slices may remain undercooked. Russet potatoes, with their starchy texture, break down slightly as they cook, helping to thicken the sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, retain their creamy texture and offer a buttery flavor, making them another great option depending on the desired consistency and taste.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.75 oz Can)
The cream of mushroom soup acts as the creamy base, binding the ingredients together and adding a subtle umami flavor. Its velvety texture ensures that the casserole is moist and cohesive. While this ingredient is traditional, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor. For a homemade alternative, a simple mushroom sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, flour, and broth can elevate the dish with a more personalized touch.
1/2 Cup Milk
The milk helps to thin the condensed soup, creating a smooth, pourable sauce that coats the potatoes and beef evenly. It also adds a slight creaminess to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds the finishing touch, delivering a sharp, savory flavor and a rich, gooey texture once melted. Its sharpness pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, though other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can also work well. These options will offer a milder or more stretchy consistency, depending on your preference.
Preparation Steps and Techniques
Preheating the Oven to 350°F (175°C)
The first step in creating the perfect hamburger and potato casserole is preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together. If the oven is too hot, the outside may overcook before the center is done, while too low a temperature could result in uneven cooking and extended baking time. Preheating also guarantees that your casserole will bake for the specified time without additional guesswork.
Cooking the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Even browning is important because it adds a rich flavor through caramelization, while larger chunks of beef may not distribute evenly throughout the casserole. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming overly oily. After draining, season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. For a deeper flavor, you can add garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of chili flakes. Set the beef aside as you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Preparing the Potatoes
The key to perfectly cooked potatoes in a casserole is slicing them thinly and consistently. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick, which allows them to cook fully and absorb the creamy sauce. You can use a sharp knife, but a mandoline slicer makes it easier to achieve uniform slices. If you are prepping the potatoes ahead of time, soak them in cold water to prevent browning. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before assembling the casserole to avoid adding excess moisture, which can affect the texture.
Assembling the Casserole
Begin by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish, ensuring they overlap slightly for full coverage. Next, spread the cooked ground beef over the potato layer for even distribution. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, making sure to coat everything. This sauce will bind the casserole together and keep it moist during baking.
Baking the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. The foil traps steam inside the dish, which helps the potatoes cook through and ensures that the beef stays tender. Without the foil, the top would cook too quickly, causing the cheese or potatoes to dry out or burn before the rest of the dish is ready.
Adding the Cheese and Baking Uncovered
After the initial hour of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly. This final step adds texture, creating a deliciously crispy, cheesy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers beneath. Once the cheese is golden, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes slicing easier.
Customizations and Variations
This easy hamburger and potato casserole is highly versatile, making it easy to customize with additional ingredients, different meats, and varied flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to adapt the recipe:
Add Vegetables
For an extra burst of flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Onions can be sautéed with the ground beef to bring a caramelized sweetness, while bell peppers add a mild crunch and vibrant color. Mushrooms complement the creaminess of the dish and bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef and potatoes. You can also mix in spinach or peas for more greens, making the dish more wholesome without too much effort.
Meat Alternatives
If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken make excellent substitutes for beef. They are leaner and can provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the casserole’s heartiness. For a more robust taste, try using ground sausage, either pork or chicken, which will introduce savory, spiced notes to the dish. Vegetarian alternatives like plant-based ground “meat” or extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant can also work beautifully.
Cheese Options
While cheddar is a classic choice, other cheeses can elevate the dish further. Mozzarella offers a mild, stretchy texture, while Monterey Jack provides a creamier, slightly sweet flavor. For a sharper or more complex taste, you can combine cheeses—try mixing cheddar with Gruyère or Parmesan to add depth and richness.
Soup Substitutes
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can easily swap it for other condensed soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery. For a richer, homemade touch, consider making a simple béchamel sauce by combining butter, flour, milk, and seasoning. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and allows more control over the flavor.
Seasoning and Herbs
To enhance the casserole’s flavor, consider adding garlic, paprika, or thyme. A pinch of paprika can lend a smoky warmth, while fresh thyme or parsley brightens up the dish. You can also incorporate garlic powder or onion powder into the ground beef for an extra savory kick.
Storing and Reheating the Casserole
Storing
Leftovers from this hamburger and potato casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the casserole fresh and prevent it from drying out, ensure the dish is tightly covered with aluminum foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. If you leave the casserole uncovered or loosely wrapped, the potatoes and cheese may dry out, affecting the texture and flavor.
Freezing Instructions
This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or divide it into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers. This prevents freezer burn and maintains the casserole’s freshness. The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the casserole, you can use either the oven or microwave. For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking or drying out. If reheating in the microwave, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals until warm. Be cautious of overheating the cheese, as it can become tough if microwaved too long.
Pairing Suggestions and Side Dishes
To complement the richness of the hamburger and potato casserole, it’s a good idea to serve lighter, refreshing side dishes and beverages that balance the meal.
Side Salad
A crisp, fresh green salad is the perfect accompaniment to balance the creamy, cheesy casserole. Opt for a simple mix of greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine, tossed with a light vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots make a great side dish to serve with this casserole. These vegetables, roasted with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, develop a natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the casserole. The caramelized edges add a nice textural contrast to the creamy main dish.
Bread Options
Serve the casserole with some crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce. The bread’s crunchy texture and mild flavor make it an ideal side for soaking up the flavors without overpowering the meal.
Beverage Pairings
A light beer or a glass of red wine, such as a medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with this casserole. These beverages offer enough depth to complement the richness of the dish without overwhelming the palate.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole
Consistency in Slicing Potatoes
Uniformly sliced potatoes are key to ensuring the casserole cooks evenly. When the slices are of equal thickness, they cook at the same rate, avoiding undercooked or overly soft pieces. Aim for 1/8-inch slices to guarantee tender potatoes by the end of the bake.
Using a Mandoline
For quick and consistent potato slices, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. This handy tool helps achieve uniform thin slices in a fraction of the time it would take with a knife, ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole.
Cheese Tips
For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly, whereas freshly grated cheese melts evenly and creates a creamier, more luscious topping.
Timing Your Bake
Make sure to bake the casserole long enough for the potatoes to become tender. An hour of baking while covered ensures the potatoes cook through without drying out the cheese. Then, removing the foil and baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes lets the cheese brown without overbaking.
Preventing a Soggy Casserole
Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent a watery casserole. Also, make sure your potatoes are properly dried if soaked beforehand, as excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, Russet potatoes are ideal for this casserole because their starchy texture helps thicken the sauce. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a creamier texture. Yukon Golds hold their shape better and provide a slightly buttery flavor. Avoid using waxy potatoes, as they may not break down enough to create the desired consistency.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and follow the original baking instructions. This makes it a great option for meal planning or busy weeknights.
Can I use a different kind of soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup is traditional, but you can easily substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Each option brings its own unique flavor profile. For a more custom touch, you can even make your own homemade soup or sauce to suit your taste preferences.
How do I make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or additional vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant are excellent alternatives, as they add bulk and rich flavor. A combination of lentils or beans can also work well for added protein and texture.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container, this casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store individual portions in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions.
Conclusion
This easy 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is a simple, versatile recipe that fits perfectly into any weeknight routine. Its ease of preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and deliciously comforting result make it a dish the whole family will love. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or add your own twist to make it uniquely yours. Whether for busy evenings or meal prep, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite!
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Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Description
This easy hamburger and potato casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. With only 5 common ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a creamy, cheesy, and savory meal that the whole family will love. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with browned ground beef, topped with a simple mixture of condensed soup and milk, then finished with a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s an affordable, no-fuss dish that’s filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, about 1/8-inch thick. Layer them evenly at the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef over the potato layer. In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add cheese and finish: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customizations: Feel free to add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can use other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination to switch up the flavor.
- Storage: This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
