Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This easy 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender potatoes come together with a cheesy topping for a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 10.75 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer. In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Step 5: Pour the soup mixture over the beef layer, spreading it evenly.
- Step 6: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Step 7: Remove the casserole and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the layers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or garlic to the ground beef while cooking.
- Try swapping cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different twist.
- Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before baking for added freshness.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave portions individually. The casserole may thicken when refrigerated, so adding a splash of milk when reheating can help loosen it.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh potatoes work best for this recipe to ensure even cooking and the right texture. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and drained before layering to avoid excess moisture.
Is this casserole freezer friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a comforting and simple one-dish meal. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and seasoned ground beef are bound together with creamy mushroom soup and milk, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
Potato Layer
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Binding Sauce
- 10.75 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, then arrange an even layer on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer. In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After that time, remove the casserole and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set making it easier to serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes evenly.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
- You can add herbs like thyme or parsley to the beef for extra flavor.
- To speed up cooking, partially boil the potato slices before layering.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, easy dinner, 5 ingredient recipe, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, comfort food

