A hearty, comforting meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Enter the 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole—a dish that blends simplicity with rich, savory flavors. With just a few basic ingredients, this casserole delivers everything you need for a satisfying dinner, making it an ideal choice for busy families, beginners, or anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss meal after a long day. The minimal prep and cook time allow you to whip this up without much effort, while still providing that warm, comforting feeling that only a homemade casserole can bring.

Why This Recipe Works:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only five ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese results in a rich, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Despite the limited number of ingredients, the dish feels familiar and comforting, with the classic flavors of hamburger and potatoes enhanced by the creamy base and cheesy topping.

Overview of Ingredients:

This casserole centers around five key ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge:

Ground beef – the heart of the dish, providing protein and richness.
Potatoes – offering a starchy, hearty foundation.
Cheese – delivering a creamy, melty topping.

Cream of mushroom soup – binding the casserole together with its smooth, savory flavor.
Onion – adding depth and a slight sweetness to balance the dish.

Ingredients Breakdown and Preparation

1. Ingredient Spotlight: The Power of 5 Core Ingredients

Ground Beef: Ground beef is the foundation of this casserole, providing both flavor and protein. Its hearty, savory taste complements the other ingredients perfectly, creating a balanced meal. Opt for lean ground beef (80% lean or higher) to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing taste. For those who prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute, providing a similar texture with less fat. Alternatively, plant-based crumbles make this casserole suitable for vegetarians or those looking to reduce meat intake.

Potatoes: Potatoes bring both texture and substance to the casserole. They soften as they cook, becoming tender while absorbing the flavors from the other ingredients. Russet potatoes, with their starchy texture, are the classic choice and provide a fluffy, hearty consistency. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, offer a slightly creamier texture and hold their shape better. You can also use red potatoes if you prefer a firmer bite.

Cheese: Cheese adds a creamy, rich topping that ties the dish together. Sharp cheddar is the most popular choice due to its robust flavor, but mozzarella or Colby Jack can also be used for a milder taste. For those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, there are numerous dairy-free cheese alternatives available, such as cashew-based or soy-based cheeses, which can still provide a satisfying melt.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This canned soup serves as the binding agent in the casserole, offering creaminess and depth of flavor. Its rich, earthy taste complements the meat and potatoes. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make a quick cream of mushroom soup from scratch or substitute it with cream of chicken soup. For those with dietary restrictions, dairy-free or gluten-free versions are also available.

Onion: Onions add a subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor. While raw onions provide a sharpness that mellows during baking, you can also caramelize them for a deeper, sweeter flavor. If you’re short on time, dried onion flakes or onion powder work well as substitutes, still providing that essential flavor boost.

Preparing the Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepping the Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.

Potatoes: While the beef cooks, wash and peel the potatoes (if desired). Slice them thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly during baking.
Onions: Peel and slice the onions thinly. If using dried onions or onion powder, measure them out as needed.

Layering the Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased casserole dish, begin by spreading an even layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. This forms the foundation of the dish.
Add a layer of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage.

Scatter the sliced onions (or onion substitutes) over the ground beef, followed by pouring the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top.
Top everything with a generous layer of shredded cheese, covering the entire casserole.

Tips for Even Cooking:

Ensure the potato slices are uniform to prevent uneven cooking.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during the final minutes of baking.

Baking the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes; they should be soft and easy to pierce.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the casserole hot, either as a stand-alone meal or with simple sides. A fresh green salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments. For a finishing touch, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Substitutions: If you want to switch things up, you can easily swap out the ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken provides a leaner option, maintaining the same texture while cutting down on fat. For a vegetarian alternative, plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils can be used, offering a similar consistency and flavor profile.

Potato Variations: For a different twist, try using sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes. Their natural sweetness adds a new layer of flavor, and they provide extra vitamins and fiber. In a pinch, you can also use frozen hash browns or pre-cooked mashed potatoes to save on prep time.

Adding Vegetables: To make this dish more nutritious, consider adding vegetables. Green beans, peas, or bell peppers work well in the casserole and provide additional texture and flavor. This is also a great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters, as the casserole’s flavors blend everything together.

Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options: To accommodate dietary restrictions, use dairy-free cheese and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Many stores offer these alternatives, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic comfort dish without worry.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: To store leftovers, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you prefer, you can keep it in the casserole dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing Tips: This casserole freezes well, whether you freeze it before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool, portion it into individual servings, and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Reheating Suggestions: For best results, reheat the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If microwaving, heat individual portions on medium heat, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even reheating.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

Calorie Breakdown: The calorie count for this casserole will depend on the specific ingredients used, but an average serving may contain around 400-500 calories. Using lean ground beef or turkey and low-fat cheese can help reduce the calorie count.

Protein and Nutrient Content: This dish is a good source of protein, thanks to the ground beef or alternative proteins. Potatoes offer fiber and essential nutrients such as potassium and Vitamin C, making this casserole a filling and balanced meal.

Healthy Adjustments: To make this dish healthier, you can opt for lean meats, low-fat cheese, and light cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables can increase the fiber and nutrient content without adding many extra calories.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup. This will maintain the same texture and flavor, making the casserole just as satisfying.

Can I add more seasonings? Absolutely. Feel free to customize the dish with additional seasonings such as garlic, paprika, or Italian herbs. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

What kind of cheese works best? Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. For extra creaminess, consider adding some cream cheese or a layer of ricotta.

Can I use frozen potatoes? Yes, frozen hash browns or pre-sliced frozen potatoes work perfectly in this recipe. They save time and cook up just as well, making this dish even more convenient.

Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Author: Munil

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Description

This easy 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, savory onions, and melted cheese come together in a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The casserole requires minimal prep and can be easily customized to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a go-to option when you need dinner on the table in a hurry.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Layer them at the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef over the potato layer. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then pour it evenly over the beef and potatoes.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Substitute cream of chicken or homemade cream soups if you don’t have cream of mushroom.
- Swap in sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-dense alternative.
Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition, try adding vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers to the layers. They’ll cook right alongside the casserole and blend beautifully with the flavors.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the regular baking instructions.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.