Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple
When it comes to weeknight dinners, few things hit the spot quite like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. The best casseroles are those that combine pantry staples with comfort food flavors, and this 5-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping leftovers for the week, or just looking to keep your grocery list short and affordable, this recipe delivers everything you need: simplicity, heartiness, and nostalgia in every bite.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese come together in a one-dish meal that’s not only satisfying but also budget-friendly. With just five main ingredients—plus optional salt and pepper for seasoning—you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it only takes a few minutes to prep and about an hour to bake.
Perfect for cozy winter nights, potlucks, or a casual family dinner, this hamburger and potato casserole is a simple go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on hand. In this post, we’ll walk through the entire process of making this dish, from choosing your ingredients to layering the casserole for best results. We’ll also share some optional add-ins and substitutions to customize the dish to your taste, plus tips for storage and reheating. So let’s dig in and make this easy casserole your new favorite!
The Origins and Appeal of Hamburger and Potato Casseroles
Casseroles have long held a place in American home cooking thanks to their convenience, affordability, and versatility. During the mid-20th century, especially around the 1950s, casseroles became a household staple as processed foods like canned soups and frozen vegetables became more widely available. The humble casserole allowed home cooks to stretch ingredients while feeding the whole family with minimal effort. Recipes like this hamburger and potato casserole are rooted in that tradition—homey, practical, and satisfying.
Using ground beef and potatoes in a casserole is a natural pairing. Ground beef is quick to cook, filling, and full of savory flavor, while potatoes add a starchy base that absorbs all the delicious juices and sauces. When combined with a creamy soup and a cheesy topping, you get a well-rounded dish that ticks all the comfort food boxes. Plus, it’s a recipe that doesn’t require any fancy tools or exotic ingredients—just a baking dish, a skillet, and a handful of everyday items you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
One of the best parts of this recipe is how simple and approachable the ingredient list is. Let’s take a closer look at each of the five core components:
- Ground Beef (1 lb)
This forms the hearty base of the casserole. Use lean ground beef if you prefer less grease, but regular ground beef also works just fine as long as you drain the fat after cooking. If you’re looking to substitute, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version. The key is to season it well so it complements the rest of the casserole. - Potatoes (4 large, thinly sliced)
Potatoes provide structure and substance to the casserole. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great options because they hold up well during baking. Make sure to slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—so they cook through evenly in the oven. A mandoline slicer works great here, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the job as well. - Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.75 oz can)
This ingredient adds creaminess and helps bind the layers of the casserole together. It also lends a savory, umami-rich flavor that complements both the beef and potatoes. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you could use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead, but cream of mushroom gives this dish its classic taste and texture. - Milk (1/2 cup)
Milk is used to thin out the condensed soup so that it spreads more easily and bakes into a silky sauce that envelops the beef and potatoes. Whole milk will give you the creamiest result, but any kind of milk—even a non-dairy option like unsweetened almond or oat milk—will work in a pinch. - Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup)
The final touch is a layer of sharp cheddar cheese melted over the top. Cheddar adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor and creates that bubbly, golden crust that makes casseroles so irresistible. You can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but shredding your own from a block tends to melt better and offers more flavor.
Optional Seasonings: Salt and Pepper
Though technically not counted as part of the five ingredients, salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in the beef and potatoes. Be sure to season the meat as you brown it, and you can also sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the potato layers if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of putting this casserole together. Don’t worry—this is as easy as it gets.
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready once your casserole is assembled. This ensures even baking from the moment the dish goes in. - Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare the Potatoes
While the beef is cooking, wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices will ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender in the oven. If you’re short on time, you can slice the potatoes earlier in the day and store them in a bowl of water in the fridge to prevent browning. - Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, oil, or cooking spray. Start by placing a single layer of potatoes on the bottom of the dish. You don’t have to overlap them perfectly, but try to cover the entire bottom evenly. Next, spread the cooked ground beef over the potato layer. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer, using a spatula to spread it out if needed. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. - Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but you can certainly round out the meal with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish, while roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli make excellent accompaniments. For a homestyle touch, consider serving warm dinner rolls or buttered bread alongside. A little bit of fresh parsley sprinkled on top can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the great things about casseroles is how well they keep. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. If reheating a large portion or the entire dish, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20–25 minutes.
You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. After baking, let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven as described above.
Variations and Add-Ins
While the classic 5-ingredient version is delicious on its own, this casserole is also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to switch it up:
- Add chopped onions or garlic to the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Include a layer of frozen green beans, corn, or peas for added vegetables.
- Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of cheddar.
- Mix in a packet of dry onion soup mix with the beef for even more savory depth.
- Use pepper jack cheese or a Mexican blend cheese for a spicy kick.
- Top with crushed butter crackers or French-fried onions before adding the cheese for a crunchy finish.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because of its simplicity, flexibility, and timeless appeal. It uses ingredients that are easy to find and affordable, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs. The flavors are familiar and comforting, with a creamy texture and cheesy topping that feel indulgent without being complicated. It’s a one-dish meal that doesn’t require a long prep time, fancy tools, or culinary training—just a few basic steps and a bit of baking time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal that requires minimal effort, a potluck dish that will feed a crowd, or a nostalgic comfort food that reminds you of simpler times, this 5-Ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole fits the bill. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a meal that brings people together. With just five simple components, you can make a hearty, satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Try it once, and it may just become one of your favorite recipes too.