5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic with Minimal Effort

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a hearty casserole baking in the oven—it signals warmth, comfort, and the promise of a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for a simple, family-friendly dinner that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, look no further than this 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, budget-conscious families, or anyone craving a nostalgic meal with all the elements of classic home cooking. With just five ingredients (plus optional onion), it’s a no-fuss solution that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable and makes excellent leftovers.

Why This Recipe Works

Casseroles have long held a beloved place in kitchens across the world because of their convenience, versatility, and comforting nature. This particular casserole combines tender slices of potato, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey melted cheese into one cohesive, belly-warming meal. Each layer builds flavor and texture, resulting in a forkful that’s rich, satisfying, and balanced.

This recipe is ideal for:

• Home cooks with limited time or ingredients

• Families looking to feed a crowd on a budget

• Fans of hearty, Midwestern-style comfort food

• Meal preppers who love dishes that reheat well

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how short the ingredient list is—yet the result is something you’d happily serve to guests or bring to a potluck.

Core Ingredients:

• Ground beef – Lean or regular, depending on preference

• Potatoes, thinly sliced – Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well

• Cream of mushroom soup – Adds moisture and umami flavor

• Shredded cheese – Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up

• Onion (optional) – For a little extra flavor and aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready once your dish is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’re using onions, add them in this step to soften alongside the meat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Grease a baking dish (preferably 9×13″) and lay down a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. This will form the base of your casserole.

Step 4: Add the Ground Beef

Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the sliced potatoes. This layer adds heartiness and flavor to the dish.

Step 5: Pour Over the Soup

Evenly pour cream of mushroom soup over the beef and potatoes. You can dilute the soup slightly with milk or water for a thinner sauce, if desired.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top. This will melt and brown beautifully, creating a cheesy crust that brings everything together.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is heated through.

Step 8: Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top and fully melt the cheese.

Step 9: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness with your favorite side dish or as a standalone meal.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, gather the following tools:

• Skillet (for browning beef)

• Cutting board & knife (for slicing potatoes and onion)

• Vegetable peeler (optional)

• Large spoon or spatula

• 9×13″ baking dish

• Foil (to cover during baking)

• Oven mitts

Simple tools—minimal cleanup. That’s the beauty of casseroles.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

This casserole stores beautifully and can be made ahead for added convenience.

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.

• Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing:

• Cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and plastic wrap.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip:

You can also prep and assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and bake the next day.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Swap the Meat:

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a leaner or different flavor profile.

Try Different Soups:

• Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade roux.

Add Veggies:

• Sneak in more nutrition with layers of frozen peas, carrots, spinach, or corn.

Add Spice:

• Mix in some taco seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder with the meat for a spiced-up version.

Use Different Cheese:

• Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend to change the flavor.

Suggested Food & Drink Pairings

Side Dishes:

• Green beans or a crisp side salad offer fresh contrast to this rich casserole.

• Dinner rolls or cornbread pair perfectly for soaking up the creamy layers.

Beverages:

• A cold glass of milk, iced tea, or even a light red wine like Pinot Noir works well to complement the hearty flavors.

• For a cozy dinner, pair it with a classic apple cider or a light beer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes hold their shape well and bake evenly. Slice them thinly (about ⅛” thick) for even cooking.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?

Absolutely. This is a great shortcut—just be sure to thaw them before layering.

What cheese melts best for this casserole?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère are all delicious options.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your cream of mushroom soup and cheese are labeled gluten-free, or make a homemade gluten-free white sauce.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the cheese, and add in vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a true celebration of simplicity and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen—a warm, filling, and familiar meal made with love (and hardly any dishes). Whether you’re cooking for a family, feeding a crowd, or preparing weekday lunches in advance, this casserole delivers every time.

With its rich layers, creamy sauce, and cheesy top, it’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal effort but gives back so much in flavor.

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear about it! Share your version on social media and tag us. Don’t forget to save this post, share it with a friend, and subscribe to the blog for more easy recipes, kitchen tips, and delicious meal ideas straight to your inbox.

Because when dinner’s this easy (and this good), everyone deserves a second helping.