There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the aroma of a hearty casserole baking in the oven. My Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just a simple dinner—it’s the ultimate American comfort food, reminiscent of chilly evenings and warm family dinners. This recipe is one of those weeknight lifesavers I picked up from my grandmother, who could whip it up from pantry staples, turning humble ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, beefy, and oh-so-comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a freezer-friendly dish, this easy hamburger potato casserole is your new go-to. Drawing from your love for beefy, cheesy casseroles (like the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, and Cheesy Oven-Baked Ground Beef Enchiladas), this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Minimal ingredients: Just 5 pantry staples!
- Easy Prep: Simple layers, no fancy techniques.
- Family-friendly: Kids love it, and adults do too.
- Budget-friendly: Made with economical ingredients you likely already have.
- Freezer-friendly: Great for make-ahead meals.
- Customizable: Easy to modify based on what you have on hand.
5-Ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Mixing bowls
- Mandoline slicer (optional for uniform potato slices)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes about 3 medium
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir well until smooth.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the cooked beef and half the soup mixture.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers: remaining potatoes, beef, soup mix, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
What you will need + Helpful Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for this 5-ingredient Hamburger Potato Casserole wonder:
1 lb Ground Beef
- Substitutions: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based crumbles or lentils.
4 Cups Thinly Sliced Potatoes (About 3 Medium)
- Substitutions: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. You can also use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious take.
1 Can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Substitutions: Swap with cream of chicken or celery soup. For a homemade version, combine 1 cup of milk with sautéed mushrooms and a roux.
1/2 Cup Milk
- Substitutions: Use cream for extra richness or any plant-based milk (unsweetened almond, oat, or soy) for a dairy-free version.
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Substitutions: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese shreds.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even baking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat for a less greasy dish.
Tip: Add diced onions or garlic for extra flavor.
3. Slice the Potatoes
Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick).
Tip: Uniform slices cook more evenly and faster.
4. Layer the Casserole
Start layering:
- A layer of potatoes
- A layer of cooked ground beef
- A spoonful of soup
- A sprinkle of cheese
Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
Tip: Press layers gently to compact slightly for even baking.
5. Mix Milk and Pour
Mix milk with any remaining soup and pour it evenly over the top. This helps the casserole stay moist and creamy.
6. Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes to soften the potatoes and meld flavors.
Tip: This traps moisture, allowing the potatoes to become tender. Use a tight seal to trap steam.
7. Uncover and Brown
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to brown the cheese.
Tip: Use a spatula for neat portions.
Variations Ideas
- Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with jalapeños.
- Loaded Baked Potato: Add bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream on the side.
- Creamy Ranch: Stir ranch seasoning into the milk and soup mix.
- Vegetarian: Use veggie crumbles or mushrooms instead of beef.
Topping Suggestions
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh, mild bite.
- Sour Cream Drizzle: Cool, creamy contrast.
- Crumbled Bacon: Smoky, savory crunch.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Spicy kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous touch.
- Hot Sauce: Fiery flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How to Reheat Leftovers:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Sweet Tea: Refreshing, classic drink.
- Caesar Salad: Creamy, tangy contrast.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized pairing.
Expert Baking Tips
- Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking during freezing.
- Grate your own cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Let it rest 10 minutes after baking before serving—it helps the layers set.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner protein.
- Potatoes → Sweet Potatoes: Sweeter alternative.
- Cream of Mushroom → Cream of Chicken: Different creamy base.
- Milk → Plant-Based Milk: Dairy-free option.
- Cheddar → Monterey Jack: Milder cheese flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for hamburger potato casserole?
Yes, thawed frozen sliced potatoes or hash browns can be used in a pinch.
Is the hamburger potato casserole
gluten-free?
Only if your soup is gluten-free. Many canned soups contain flour as a thickener.
How long does hamburger potato casserole last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
There’s something magical about a meal that comes together with just a few ingredients and fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This Hamburger Potato Casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a cozy, satisfying experience that brings the whole family together. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become part of your weeknight rotation. And don’t forget to share how you personalized it—I love hearing your variations!
