Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? This simple yet flavorful 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a meal that pleases everyone at the table. The best part? You don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to pull it together. Keep reading for a full breakdown of this tasty recipe, and be sure to try it out for a dinner that your family will love!

What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?

A Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a comforting and filling dish that combines layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce to create a satisfying meal. This casserole is popular because it’s quick to assemble, and its ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge. The recipe’s simplicity allows you to whip it up quickly while delivering that rich and homey flavor that makes casseroles a favorite.

Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

For this easy 5-ingredient version of Hamburger & Potato Casserole, you will need:

1. Ground Beef (1 pound) – The heart of the dish, ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor. Opt for lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat.
2. Russet Potatoes (4-5 medium-sized potatoes) – These potatoes hold their shape well during baking, providing a soft, starchy layer that perfectly complements the meat.
3. Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can) – This classic casserole ingredient brings a creamy texture and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
4. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) – Melty cheddar cheese adds a tangy and savory finish to the casserole.
5. Onion (1 medium onion, diced) – Adding a hint of sweetness and extra flavor, the onion works beautifully with the other ingredients.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about casseroles is how versatile they are! If you’re missing an ingredient or prefer a slightly different flavor profile, here are some great substitutions and variations to consider:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Both proteins work well in this recipe, offering a slightly different but equally delicious taste.
• Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes: While russet potatoes are classic, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture or more subtle flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup is a good alternative. It brings the same creamy consistency with a different flavor.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor. Frozen veggies can be easily mixed in with the ground beef.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can switch it up by using Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor or more meltiness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to put them together. This casserole comes together in just a few steps:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat while you prepare the casserole.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, and then stir in the diced onions. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Slice the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, wash and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. Aim for about ⅛-inch thick slices so they cook evenly.
4. Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then spoon half of the cream of mushroom soup on top. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining soup on top.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a bubbly, golden-brown crust when baked.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a more detailed guide, let’s walk through each stage of the cooking process:

1. Preheating the Oven: Always ensure your oven reaches the proper temperature before placing your casserole inside. A preheated oven guarantees even cooking and that your casserole will bake within the recommended time.
2. Browning the Beef and Softening the Onions: This step not only ensures that the meat is fully cooked but also enhances the flavor by caramelizing the onions and beef. Stirring frequently and cooking over medium heat prevents burning.
3. Slicing Potatoes Evenly: Even potato slices are crucial for uniform cooking. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to get thin, consistent slices. This helps the potatoes cook thoroughly without overcooking the rest of the dish.
4. Layering: Layering the ingredients ensures that every bite has a bit of everything—soft potatoes, savory beef, creamy soup, and melty cheese.
5. Baking Time: Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking helps the potatoes soften without the cheese browning too quickly. Removing the foil later in the baking process ensures that the cheese develops a crispy, golden top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: If your potato slices are too thick, they won’t cook through properly, leaving them undercooked and hard. Stick to ⅛-inch slices for the best results.
• Overcooking the ground beef: The ground beef will cook more in the oven, so avoid overcooking it on the stovetop. Aim for browning the meat until just done, and it will finish cooking in the casserole.
• Not using enough seasoning: While this recipe is simple, you can always season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
• Skipping the foil: Covering the casserole for the first portion of baking is important to ensure the potatoes cook through properly. Don’t forget this step, or your casserole may turn out with undercooked potatoes.

Serving and Presentation Tips

After baking this golden, cheesy masterpiece, the next step is serving it up in a way that highlights its comforting appeal.

• How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole: This casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to add some freshness and color to the meal.Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, using a large serving spoon to scoop up the layers. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

For a homestyle, rustic presentation, leave the casserole in the baking dish and serve it family-style. You can also dish out individual portions onto plates and garnish each with a sprinkle of herbs or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness. A sprinkle of paprika or cracked black pepper can give the top a bit of color and visual appeal.

Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Pre-cook the potatoes: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave or parboil the potato slices for a few minutes to speed up the baking process.
• Use a sharp cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Make it ahead of time: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze the Hamburger & Potato Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, bake from frozen and add an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

3. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms is a great way to boost the nutrition of the dish without complicating the recipe.

Conclusion

This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a winner for any busy family. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can create a comforting and hearty meal that’s sure to please. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or try out some of the variations and tips, this casserole is bound to become a regular on your dinner table. Give it a try tonight for a dish that’s big on flavor but easy on effort!

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