Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Description

This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, creamy, and so simple to make! With just a few basic pantry staples, you can whip up a warm and filling meal the whole family will love. Juicy ground beef, tender layers of potatoes, and a creamy sauce come together into a baked casserole that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients For Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but adds flavor)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese)

•  Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Layer potatoes: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Season lightly with salt & pepper.

4. Add beef mixture: Spread half of the cooked beef over the potatoes.

5. Add sauce: Spread half of the cream of mushroom soup over beef. Repeat layers (potatoes → beef → soup).

6. Top with cheese: Cover with shredded cheese.

7. Cover & bake: Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Serve hot with a simple side salad or steamed veggies.

Servings

• Makes 6 servings

• Portion: About 1 generous square slice per person

Nutritional Info (per serving – approx.)

• Calories: 365

• Protein: 21g

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 620mg

(Values may vary depending on cheese, soup type, and potato size.)

Notes

• You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery.

• For extra flavor, season ground beef with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

• If you like a crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Tips

• Slice potatoes thinly (use a mandoline if possible) so they cook evenly.

• If you prefer, pre-cook potatoes for 5 minutes in boiling water to speed up baking.

• Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans between layers for a one-dish complete meal.

• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Benefits

• Budget-friendly: Uses just 5 simple ingredients.

• Comfort food classic: Perfect for picky eaters and family dinners.

• Customizable: Can add veggies, swap meats, or change cheeses.

• Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge for 3 days.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes. Wrap unbaked casserole in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20–30 minutes to cook time.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Absolutely — it will add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby also work great.