Short, Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This 5 ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is basically comfort food that threw on jeans and showed up ready to party. It is forgiving, fast, and feeds a small army or a very hungry family.
If you want to go full slow cooker vibes later, check out my take on a slow cooker cowboy potato casserole for inspo. Trust me, this casserole gives you that cozy dinner energy without the drama.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This casserole hits all the good buttons. It is cheesy, meaty, and starchy in the best possible way. You throw five things together, shove it in the oven, and then pretend you did advanced culinary wizardry.
It is idiot proof. Even I did not mess it up. The flavors are familiar and crowd pleasing. Leftovers reheat like a boss. Pro tip Serve with a crisp salad or some pickles to cut through the richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Yes that is literally it. No weird pantry unicorn ingredients. Simple, satisfying, and slightly smug.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the layers, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie mistake. The oven needs to be hot so everything cooks evenly.
- Slicing the potatoes too thick. Thick slices mean longer bake times and uneven cooking. Aim for thin, uniform slices.
- Skipping salt on the beef. Meat without salt is like a joke without a punchline. Season early so the beef actually tastes like something.
- Forgetting to grease the baking dish. The first slice should not be a demolition project. A little oil or nonstick spray does wonders.
- Overcrowding the layers. Give the layers room to cook or you will end up with a dense blob instead of a nice layered casserole.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Go for it. Here are easy swaps that keep the vibe but change the mood.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you want something lighter. I like turkey when I am pretending to be healthy.
- Use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead of cream of mushroom if mushrooms are not your jam. No judgment.
- Mix in a can of drained diced tomatoes to add some tang and moisture without mess.
- Try pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different cheese personality. IMO cheddar keeps it classic though.
- If you prefer crunchy potato edges, partially bake the potato slices first or switch to thinly sliced sweet potatoes for a twist. For other potato ideas, see this guide on air fryer baked potatoes for inspiration on texture tricks.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q Why does my casserole come out watery?
A Did you drain the beef? Liquid often comes from un-drained meat or very starchy potatoes. Brown the beef well and drain excess fat. Also slice potatoes thinly and evenly.
Q Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?
A Yes you can. If you go that route, press some of the excess moisture out of the frozen potatoes first. They will change the texture but still taste great.
Q How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A Stick a fork in the center. If the fork slides in without resistance the potatoes are tender. If not, pop it back in for 10 more minutes and check again.
Q Can I prepare this ahead of time and bake later?
A Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a day. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilling made it cold.
Q Is this freezer friendly?
A Yes. Freeze in a well sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Reheating from frozen will take longer and may need extra moisture.
Q Can I add veggies to make this healthier?
A Sure. Layer in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach. Just do not overdo the liquid content or you will get soggy layers.
Final Thoughts
You just made a cozy, no fuss dinner with five ingredients and a single casserole dish. Look at you, chef. The whole thing comes together fast and gives you the warm fuzzy feeling of a home cooked meal without the group therapy level of effort. Bold move serve it with something bright on the side so your plate does not look like a cheese trap.
Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You earned it. No tuxedo required.
Conclusion
If you would like another take on this classic or want step by step photos and notes, check out this easy version on Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole – Taste Of Recipe.
Print
5 Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A simple and satisfying casserole that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the layers, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
Serve with a crisp salad or pickles to cut through the richness. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake later.