Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

When life gets busy and you need a hearty, satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself, this Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole is your answer. I’ve been making this comforting dish for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table.

This recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require a long ingredient list or complicated techniques. With just five simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a bubbling, golden casserole that’s pure comfort food at its finest.

What is “Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole”?

This hamburger potato casserole is a classic American comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef with tender sliced potatoes, all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s essentially a complete meal in one dish – protein, starch, and plenty of satisfying flavors that make it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike complicated casseroles that require multiple steps and exotic ingredients, this dish relies on pantry staples to create something truly special. The potatoes become perfectly tender while absorbing all the savory flavors, and the ground beef adds protein and richness that makes this a filling, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients List for Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole

1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
4-5 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

That’s it! Just five simple ingredients that transform into something absolutely delicious. I love how each ingredient plays a crucial role – the ground beef provides hearty protein, the potatoes create the base, the cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess, the onion soup mix brings incredible flavor, and the cheese creates that irresistible golden top we all crave.

How to Cook Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this casserole is incredibly straightforward, but following these steps will ensure perfect results every time. I’ve made this dish countless times, and these techniques guarantee success:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
Drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

3. Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash and peel the potatoes thoroughly.
Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the potatoes into thin, even slices (about ⅛ inch thick).
Consistent thickness ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.

4. Mix the Sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the onion soup mix.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
This creates the flavorful base that will coat everything beautifully.

5. Layer the Casserole:

Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the soup.
Layer the remaining potatoes on top, then pour the rest of the soup mixture over them.

6. Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

7. Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations I’ve tried successfully:

Ground Meat: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken for different flavors and nutritional profiles.
Potatoes: Sweet potatoes work wonderfully and add a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Soup Base: Try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for variety.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add some cream cheese to the soup mixture for extra richness.
Vegetables: Add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables or corn between the meat and top potato layer for extra nutrition.
Seasoning: Mix some garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs into the ground beef while cooking for additional flavor complexity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Through years of making this casserole, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls:

Cutting Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices won’t cook through properly. Aim for ⅛ inch thickness for best results.
Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole oily and unappetizing.
Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking results in a messy, soupy dish that won’t hold its shape.
Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cheese during the final baking stage – you want it golden and bubbly, not burnt.
Using the Wrong Potato Type: Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape and absorb flavors well.

How to Serve Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with simple sides that complement without competing. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while steamed green beans or roasted broccoli adds color and nutrition to the plate.

For bread lovers, warm dinner rolls or crusty bread work wonderfully for soaking up any extra sauce. I sometimes serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top, which adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole

While this is definitely comfort food rather than fine dining, a few simple touches can make it look more appealing:

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving for a pop of color.
Individual Portions: Make mini versions in ramekins for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
Garnish Ideas: A light dusting of paprika over the melted cheese adds visual appeal and a hint of smoky flavor.

Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for casserole success:

Uniform Slicing: Take time to cut potatoes evenly – it makes a huge difference in the final result.
Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality ground beef and real cheese rather than processed alternatives.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole in the morning and refrigerate until dinner time. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.
Test for Doneness: The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when the casserole is ready.
Let It Rest: Patience during the resting period results in much neater serving portions.

How to Store Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes. The flavors actually improve after a day, as everything has time to meld together.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A: Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even a simple white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk will work perfectly. The key is having something creamy to bind everything together.

Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Yes! Thawed frozen hash browns work well, though the texture will be slightly different. Use about 4 cups of thawed hash browns and reduce the initial covered baking time by 15 minutes.

Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork and the top should be golden brown. If the cheese is browning too quickly but the potatoes aren’t done, cover with foil and continue baking.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Certainly! Frozen corn, peas, or mixed vegetables work great. Add them as a layer between the meat and top potatoes. Just remember that frozen vegetables will release some moisture.

Q: Is there a way to make this healthier?
A: Use lean ground turkey, reduced-fat soup and cheese, and add extra vegetables. You can also substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version.

Conclusion

This Easy 5 Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole has become one of my most-requested recipes, and for good reason. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole delivers every time.

The beauty lies not just in its simplicity, but in its reliability. I’ve never had this recipe fail, and it’s forgiving enough that even beginning cooks can achieve great results. Plus, with just five ingredients, it’s budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with the variations I’ve suggested. Most importantly, enjoy the process and the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen as this comforting casserole bakes to golden perfection. Happy cooking!