Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

What if you could have a hearty, comforting casserole with just five simple ingredients?
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

With layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole is a true weeknight hero.
It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family.

Why This Hamburger & Potato Casserole Is a Must-Try

This casserole takes minimal ingredients and turns them into something truly special.
With only five main components, it’s quick to prepare and requires little hands-on time.

Prep takes about 15 minutes.
Bake time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
In just over an hour, you’ll have a hot, bubbly casserole perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

The classic combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese makes it a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Tips

• Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.
  Slice them as thin as possible for even cooking.
• Ground beef with a little fat (like 80/20) adds more flavor.
  Drain well to avoid excess grease.
• Full-fat condensed soup gives a richer flavor and creamier texture.
• Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

You can adjust the seasoning to your taste or add simple herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light layer of butter.

2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned.
Break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Once browned, drain any excess grease.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Slice the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
Even slicing ensures the potatoes cook through evenly.
A mandoline slicer makes this step faster and more uniform.

4. Assemble the Layers
Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer.

In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the milk.
Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer, making sure it covers the meat well.

5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
The potatoes will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

6. Add the Cheese
After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking.
This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve It Perfectly

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but simple sides can complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast
• Add steamed green beans or broccoli for extra veggies
• Offer a basket of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side

This dish is a great choice for casual family dinners, Sunday suppers, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store leftovers
Cool the casserole completely.
Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
Or cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes.

To freeze
Let the baked casserole cool completely.
Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-ahead tip
Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it.
Bake fresh when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Bacon Hamburger Casserole
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef layer for extra smoky flavor.

2. Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole
Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken.
Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.

3. Veggie-Packed Casserole
Add a layer of frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables with the beef for more nutrition and flavor.

Each variation keeps the basic method the same but offers a different flavor profile.

Conclusion: Simple Comfort at Its Best

This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients for a hearty, satisfying meal.
With tender potatoes, seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again.

It’s easy enough for weeknights but comforting enough for Sunday dinner.
Make it once, and it just might become a staple in your meal rotation.

Have you tried it? Share your favorite tweaks and add-ins in the comments below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative.
Season it well for best flavor.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Aim for about 1/8 inch thick.
Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender.

Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely. Add more cheese between the layers or on top if you like it extra cheesy.

Do I have to bake it uncovered at the end?
Baking uncovered allows the cheese to melt and become bubbly and slightly golden.
It also helps the casserole set.