There’s something incredibly comforting about casseroles, especially when they feature hearty ingredients like ground beef and potatoes. The 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a unique recipe that brings together familiar flavors with minimal fuss. You might find yourself reaching for this dish on those busy weeknights when time is of the essence or during cozy family gatherings. With just five ingredients, it’s a no-fuss recipe that not only keeps the kitchen clean but also satisfies hungry bellies.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser, and there are plenty of reasons to love it. First and foremost, it’s budget-friendly. With only a pound of ground beef and a few common pantry staples, it keeps your grocery bill in check. Additionally, its simplicity makes it perfect for the whole family—kids love the cheesy, creamy combination of flavors, while adults appreciate the hearty portion of protein and carbs.

Here’s a quick review from a fellow home cook:

"I made this for my family last week, and it was a hit! So easy to whip up after a long day, and everyone went back for seconds. I love how I only needed five ingredients!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing this casserole doesn’t require any culinary degree—just a bit of patience and a few simple steps. Here’s what you can expect when making this delicious dish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish.
Spread the browned ground beef over the potatoes for a hearty base.
Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef for that creamy goodness.
Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften.
After, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

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Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get started, gather the following essentials:

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste

Tip: You can easily substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a homemade version if you prefer less processed ingredients.

Cooking Steps

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season it with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat.
Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, use the sliced potatoes as the bottom layer. Then, spread the cooked ground beef on top.
Creamy Layer: Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer, spreading it evenly.
Cheesy Top: Add the shredded cheese atop the soup, allowing it to melt beautifully.
Bake: Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil before popping it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

Perfect Pairings for 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

This casserole is so flavorful on its own, but it can also be complemented beautifully with some side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad for a crunchy contrast, or perhaps some garlic bread to soak up those delicious juices. For those chilly nights, a warm, crusty loaf of bread and a side of steamed veggies can round out the meal perfectly.

Best Way to Store 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Leftovers are a treasure with this casserole! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Always remember to reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot.

Helpful Hints

To get the most flavor from your ground beef, consider browning it in a bit of garlic or onion powder.
If you find the potatoes are not tender after the initial baking time, you can always cover it again and return it to the oven for additional time.
For an extra crunchy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with cheese before sprinkling it on top.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider some fun variations! Swap out the cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. You can even throw in some veggies like broccoli or carrots in between the layers for added nutrition and color. Additionally, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor profile, offering a twist that captures the essence of Italian comfort food.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, preparation and baking take about 1 hour. It’s a quick and satisfying meal to whip up!

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or homemade cream mixtures can work well if you prefer.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?

Yes, as long as they are stored properly in airtight containers, and consumed within 3 months for the best flavor and texture.

This 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is not just easy to make; it’s a family-friendly, hearty dish that will warm your hearts and fill your bellies. Perfect for a busy weeknight or as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner!

5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A hearty and budget-friendly casserole made with ground beef and potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish.
Spread the browned ground beef over the potatoes.
Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor. Add vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, potatoes, easy dinner, family meal