Easy 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a quick, easy, and hearty meal that the whole family will love? This 5-ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked dinner ready in no time. Read on for the full recipe, plus tips on how to make it even better!

What is a Hamburger & Potato Casserole?

Hamburger and potato casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish made from layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese. It’s a rich, filling meal that brings together simple ingredients to create something special. The recipe can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes or dietary needs, making it a versatile option for many families. Let’s dive into the main components and see what makes this recipe such a hit.

Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Before we start cooking, let’s gather the essentials. This recipe requires only five ingredients, all of which are easy to find at any grocery store.

1. Ground Beef – The star of the dish, ground beef provides protein and a savory, meaty flavor. You can opt for lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter option or use regular ground beef for a richer taste.
2. Potatoes – Sliced thinly, the potatoes add texture and bulk to the casserole. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best as they hold up well during baking.
3. Cream of Mushroom Soup – This canned soup adds creaminess and binds the other ingredients together. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute.
4. Shredded Cheese – Cheddar cheese gives the casserole a deliciously cheesy topping that melts perfectly. You can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
5. Onion – Chopped onions provide a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the beef and potatoes.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika) – Basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the dish, but they’re not counted as part of the five main ingredients.
• Sour Cream – For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream with the cream of mushroom soup.

Substitutions and Variations

This easy Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe is incredibly adaptable, and you can modify it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Meat Variations:
   • If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
2. Different Potatoes:
   • While Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal, you can experiment with sweet potatoes for a different twist. Sweet potatoes will give the dish a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
3. Additional Vegetables:
   • Feel free to add other vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. These vegetables will also help lighten up the dish.
4. Cheese Variations:
   • Use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier kick. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan on top for added flavor.
5. Soup Substitutes:
   • If you’re not a fan of canned soup, try making a simple homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk for a fresher alternative. You could also use a different cream-based soup such as cream of chicken or cream of broccoli.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect comfort food in just about an hour.

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
3. Prepare the Potatoes
   While the beef is cooking, wash and peel your potatoes. Slice them thinly (about ⅛-inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, or slice them carefully with a knife.
4. Layer the Casserole
   In your greased baking dish, start by placing a layer of potato slices at the bottom. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the potatoes. Next, add a layer of cooked ground beef, followed by a sprinkling of chopped onions. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the potatoes and beef, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
5. Add the Soup and Cheese
   Spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring that the potatoes are fully covered. Finally, top the casserole with shredded cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Let it Rest
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to slice.

How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: Brown your ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
3. Step 3: Slice your potatoes thinly and chop your onions.
4. Step 4: Layer the potatoes, beef, and onions in a greased casserole dish.
5. Step 5: Spread the cream of mushroom soup on top.
6. Step 6: Cover with shredded cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Let rest and serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Slicing the Potatoes Thin Enough
   Thick potato slices may take longer to cook, leaving you with hard, undercooked potatoes. Make sure to slice them thinly and evenly for the best results.
2. Skipping the Drain Step for the Ground Beef
   If you don’t drain the fat from the beef after cooking, your casserole could become greasy. Draining the excess fat keeps the dish light and flavorful.
3. Not Covering the Casserole
   The first part of the baking process should be covered with foil to help the potatoes cook through without drying out. Uncovering for the last few minutes allows the cheese to brown and crisp up nicely.
4. Overloading with Cheese
   While cheese is delicious, adding too much can overwhelm the dish and make it too rich. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Hamburger and Potato Casserole is baked to perfection, it's time to think about how to serve it. The key to serving this dish is ensuring that every slice includes a bit of all the layers: crispy cheese, creamy potatoes, and savory beef.

How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Portion Size: A large spatula works best for serving this casserole, as it allows you to scoop up even layers of the potatoes, beef, and cheese. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Family-Style: Place the baking dish directly on the dining table and let everyone serve themselves. This approach fosters a cozy, communal feel, perfect for family dinners.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving. This brightens the dish visually and adds a pop of freshness to contrast with the rich flavors.
• Serving Dishes: Serve each portion on a warm plate to keep the casserole hot while eating.

Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready.
• Freeze for Later: If you want to freeze it, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it well with foil and freeze. When you're ready to cook it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe.
2. Can I add vegetables?
   Absolutely. Try adding carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make it a more well-rounded meal.
3. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
   You can use cream of chicken, celery, or any other cream-based soup as a substitute. Alternatively, make a simple white sauce from scratch.
4. How long can leftovers be stored?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This easy 5-ingredient Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it today, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own! Happy cooking!

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