Name: Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb; 4 cups; 1 cup; 1 can (10.5 oz); 1 small, finely chopped

If you’re in search of a dinner that dreams are made of—simple, hearty, and loaded with comforting flavor—look no further than Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal: creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef, all brought together with just a handful of kitchen staples. It’s the kind of dish that makes you sigh with happiness as it comes bubbling out of the oven, all golden and gooey, guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines because of its straightforward, no-fuss ingredient list. Each component is chosen for how it boosts the flavor, texture, or color, ensuring the Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole tastes rich and deeply satisfying without any complicated prep.

Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, adding a savory, meaty element that makes every bite filling and robust.
Frozen Diced Potatoes: No peeling or chopping required! These are the key to that tender, starchy bite and help bring structure to the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a melted, gooey blanket on top—use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy punch and color.
Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This pantry hero lends creaminess and depth of flavor, tying everything together in a luscious sauce.
Finely Chopped Onion (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, the onion brings sweetness and a bit of brightness that balances the richness.

How to Make Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating up your skillet over medium heat, then toss in the ground beef and your finely chopped onion (if using). Sauté until the beef is deliciously browned and the onion is soft and fragrant—this builds that essential savory base. Don’t forget to drain any extra fat; it keeps the casserole from turning greasy and lets the flavors really shine.

Step 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

Transfer the cooked beef and onion to a large bowl, then add the frozen diced potatoes and the creamy mushroom soup. Give everything a good mix to ensure each bite of your Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole will be loaded with goodness. The cool potatoes stop the beef from overcooking and help everything blend together.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grab your trusty 9×13-inch greased baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. The key here is to distribute the beef and potatoes so every scoop will have a bit of everything. Now, scatter that generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring an even, mouthwatering layer that will form a golden crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling, golden, and irresistible. The potatoes tenderize, the flavors meld, and the entire kitchen will smell like home.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once your Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This short wait helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut tidy, satisfying pieces. Dive in while it’s still warm and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the sizzling casserole right before serving for a hint of color and a fresh, lively flavor contrast. If you’re feeling decadent, a dusting of paprika or a quick shower of crispy fried onions during the last few baking minutes adds fabulous crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair this cozy casserole with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, some steamed green beans, or sweet buttered corn. A side of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread is always a hit, perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness from the Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a fun twist at family gatherings. If you’ve got kids at the table, try letting them top their servings with a little extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream. For potlucks, just bring the whole dish and watch it disappear—trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen even more the next day—sometimes leftovers really are the best part!

Freezing

Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store portions in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 2 months—perfect for future busy nights when you crave comfort food on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave until piping hot, or bake a refrigerated or thawed casserole (covered with foil) at 350°F until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top and broil briefly for that irresistible just-baked finish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just dice about four cups’ worth of peeled potatoes into small, even cubes. You might need to parboil them for a few minutes to ensure they cook through in time, but they work beautifully in this Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, try swapping in cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Both bring creaminess and their own delicious twists, making the Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole uniquely yours.

Can I add veggies to the casserole?

Definitely! Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers when you mix the filling. Not only does this add color, but it bumps up the nutritional value while keeping the casserole’s comforting spirit intact.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything the night before. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

You sure can. Use your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds and a plant-based creamy soup alternative. The Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole will still turn out creamy and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about just how delicious and versatile the Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a family favorite—effortless, flavorful, and pure comfort in every bite. Whip it up for your next cozy night in and see for yourself why everyone loves this satisfying classic!

Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

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5 from 9 reviews

A cozy and satisfying casserole made with ground beef, diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom soup. Just five simple ingredients make this a weeknight favorite.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Ground Beef:

1 lb

Frozen Diced Potatoes:

4 cups

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:

1 cup

Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup:

1 can (10.5 oz)

Onion (optional):

1 small, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the beef, potatoes, and soup until well combined.
Layer and bake: Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Cool for a few minutes before serving warm.