Description

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty casserole fresh out of the oven, bubbling with rich flavors and warming you from the inside out. The Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole delivers all that comfort with minimal effort and just five pantry-friendly ingredients. This classic dish layers tender potatoes, savory ground beef, a creamy sauce, and a gooey blanket of melted cheddar cheese—resulting in a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. 🍔🥔🧀

What makes this recipe special isn’t just its simplicity—it’s how each layer plays a role. The ground beef is seasoned and browned to bring depth of flavor. The potatoes, sliced thin, soak up the creamy mushroom sauce as they bake, becoming soft and flavorful. And of course, the crown of melted cheddar cheese is impossible to resist. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or prepping for a family dinner, this one-dish wonder is sure to please everyone at the table. 🥄💛

Ingredients

• 🥩 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor balance)
• 🥔 4 large gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 🥣 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 🥛 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2% preferred, non-dairy alternatives work too)
• 🧀 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional Seasonings:
• 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
• 🌿 Add garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder for extra flavor

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sauté until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming oily. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices for added depth. Set aside. 🥩🔥

Prepare the potatoes by peeling (optional) and slicing them into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cooking. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring they slightly overlap. This layer forms the base of your casserole. 🥔✨

Spread the cooked and seasoned ground beef evenly over the potatoes. This ensures every bite is perfectly balanced between the tender potatoes and savory beef. 🥄🥩

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that binds the layers together. Pour the sauce evenly over the beef layer, allowing it to seep into the crevices for maximum flavor absorption. 🥣💦

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This gives the potatoes time to soften and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. 🕒🔥

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. 🧀🥳

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step helps the layers set, making for easier slicing and serving while keeping the creamy texture intact. 🥘💛

Tips and Conclusion

Looking to add variety? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Want to boost the veggies? Layer in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas between the potatoes and beef. For an extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This casserole also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. 🥗🔥

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully. You can also prepare it ahead of time—assemble the layers and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for meal prep! 🥡❄️

The Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a warm embrace in casserole form. With layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings smiles around the table. Simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, this dish is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. Don’t forget to explore more comforting recipes on our site—and share your casserole creations with us! 🥰🍴🥔