Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen, this Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole is for you. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, filling dinner that the whole family will love. This dish combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese in a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.

Let’s dive into the details of this quick and easy recipe and get cooking!

What is a Hamburger Potato Casserole?

A Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. This recipe uses just five ingredients to keep things easy while still delivering big flavor.

Ingredients List for 5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here are the five simple ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, depending on your preference)
• 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes work well)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or any condensed cream soup of your choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
• 1 small onion, diced (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

You’ll also want to have some basic seasonings on hand, such as salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil or butter for greasing the dish. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Substitutes: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend. A bit of Parmesan on top can also add extra flavor.
• Soup Substitutions: Swap out cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheesy condensed soup for a different flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition. You can layer these in between the potatoes and beef or mix them into the beef mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your 5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and diced onion (if using) until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
4. Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or oil. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by half of the cream of mushroom soup (spread it evenly). Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup.
5. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice and serve.

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

Here’s a closer look at some key steps to ensure your Hamburger Potato Casserole turns out perfectly:

1. Cooking the Beef: Make sure to season the ground beef well with salt and pepper, and don’t forget to drain any excess fat after browning. This keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
2. Slicing the Potatoes: Thin, even slices are important so the potatoes cook through in the allotted time. Using a mandoline or food processor with a slicing attachment can help if you want uniform slices.
3. Layering the Casserole: For even cooking, make sure the layers are uniform, and try not to overload the dish. Spreading the soup evenly across the layers will ensure the casserole stays moist.
4. Baking Time: Covering the casserole with foil while baking helps trap moisture so the potatoes cook properly. Removing the foil at the end allows the cheese to brown nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with just five ingredients, there are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: Thicker potato slices will take longer to cook, so aim for slices that are about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
• Forgetting to drain the ground beef: If you skip this step, the casserole could become too greasy. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef.
• Not covering the casserole: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking ensures the potatoes cook through. If you bake it uncovered from the start, the potatoes may remain undercooked.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While this casserole is easy and casual, you can still serve it in a way that makes it extra special. Here are some serving tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, chives, or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up any delicious sauce from the casserole.

How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole

This 5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes that pair well:

• Green salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great side dishes to round out the meal.
• Garlic bread: For a little indulgence, serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Even with just five ingredients, you can present this casserole beautifully:

• Individual servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more refined presentation.
• Top with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top for a fresh, colorful garnish.
• Layered presentation: Make sure each slice of the casserole shows off the layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese. Use a large serving spoon or spatula to cut clean portions.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Prepare it, cover it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Double the recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just bake in a larger dish or two smaller dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes all work well in this casserole. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner alternative to beef and works just as well in this recipe.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.

4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like sliced carrots, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition. Layer them between the potatoes and beef, or mix them into the beef mixture.

5. How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious, comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and add-ins to suit your taste. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!

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