If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss dinner that brings everyone to the table with a smile, this easy 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is it. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a pan—warm, hearty, and wonderfully simple. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, busy weeknights, or just need something satisfying after a long day, this casserole has you covered. With just five basic ingredients, it comes together effortlessly but tastes like something you spent hours making.

Let’s dive into why this simple casserole belongs in your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

It’s seriously easy. You only need five ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. No fancy steps, no complicated prep—just straightforward, comforting food.

It’s quick to put together. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have it in the oven doing all the work for you. That’s the kind of recipe we all need more of.

It’s crowd-pleasing. This casserole is one of those rare gems that adults and kids agree on. It’s cheesy, savory, and has just the right amount of crunch and creaminess.

It’s budget-friendly. Simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and soup make this an economical choice that still feels indulgent.

Suitable For

This dish is perfect for:

• Busy weeknights when you want dinner on the table fast

• Beginner cooks who want a no-fail recipe

• Cozy potlucks or family gatherings

• Anyone craving comfort food without the hassle

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crew, this casserole is an easy win.

Ingredients for Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comfort food classic to life:

• Ground beef – The hearty base of the casserole. It adds rich flavor and makes the dish super satisfying.

• Frozen diced potatoes – These keep things easy and cut down on prep. Hash browns work great too.

• Cream of mushroom soup – This is what binds everything together into creamy, delicious goodness.

• Shredded cheddar cheese – For that perfect melted, golden topping. Sharp cheddar adds great depth.

• Finely chopped onion (optional but highly recommended) – Adds just the right savory touch. If you’re feeding picky eaters, you can leave it out—but it really does elevate the flavor.

Substitutions and Tips

One of the best parts about this casserole is how adaptable it is. Here are some smart swaps and ideas:

• No cream of mushroom? Use cream of chicken or celery. They each bring their own tasty twist.

• No frozen potatoes? Peel and dice fresh potatoes or thinly slice them for a more traditional texture.

• Want more flavor? A dash of garlic powder or black pepper goes a long way. You can also toss in some paprika for warmth.

• Switch up the cheese. Mozzarella makes it stretchier, Colby Jack adds extra richness, and pepper jack brings heat.

This is your casserole—don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Best Potatoes for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Potatoes play a big role here, so let’s talk options.

• Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns are the easiest and most convenient choice. They go straight from freezer to bowl—no peeling, no chopping.

• Fresh diced potatoes give a more rustic texture. They’ll need a bit more cooking time but taste fantastic.

• Thinly sliced potatoes (think scalloped style) create a layered effect and feel a bit more elevated. A mandoline slicer can make this super quick.

Whichever you choose, make sure the potatoes are cut small enough to cook through during baking. If using fresh, consider parboiling them for a few minutes to guarantee tenderness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need any special equipment to make this casserole, which makes it even more lovable.

Must-Have Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for even baking and bubbling cheese on top.

• Large skillet – For browning your ground beef and onion.

• Mixing bowl – To bring all your ingredients together in one easy step.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and spreading.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Mandoline slicer – If you’re going the thinly sliced potato route.

• Cheese grater – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes more vibrant.

• Silicone spatula – Great for getting every last bit of the mixture into your baking dish.

These tools just make the process a little easier—but don’t worry if you’re working with the basics. This recipe is as forgiving as it is delicious.

How to Make Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Let’s get to the fun part—pulling this casserole together. If you can brown meat and stir things in a bowl, you’ve got this. The oven does most of the heavy lifting, and the result is a bubbly, golden, savory bake that feels like a warm hug.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be serving up comfort in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, go ahead and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion (if you’re using it—and I hope you are). Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to break up the meat and let those onions soften and turn fragrant.

Once everything’s nicely browned, drain off the excess fat. This keeps your casserole from becoming greasy and lets the other flavors shine through.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked beef and onion with the frozen diced potatoes and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir well until everything is evenly coated in that creamy mixture.

This is where the magic starts to happen—it may not look glamorous yet, but just wait until it’s baked.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Don’t forget to get it into those corners.

Now sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. You want a good, even layer so every bite gets a bit of gooey, melted cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges are just starting to brown.

If you’re feeling a little extra, add crispy fried onions or a few extra shreds of cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for that irresistible golden finish.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This little pause helps it set up so you get cleaner slices—and gives you a moment to breathe in that amazing aroma.

Scoop it onto plates, serve it up warm, and enjoy every cozy, cheesy bite.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tricks to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

• Don’t skip draining the beef. It keeps the casserole from being too greasy.

• Use small, even potato pieces. If your potatoes are too big or uneven, they may not cook through in time.

• Add seasoning to taste. A pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, or paprika can add great depth.

• Want it crispier? Let it bake a few minutes longer, or broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to brown the top.

• Make it ahead. You can prep the whole thing earlier in the day and pop it in the fridge until dinnertime.

This recipe is pretty forgiving, so don’t worry about making it “perfect.” It’s meant to be simple and delicious.

How to Store Easy Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you. This casserole keeps really well and makes a great next-day lunch or second dinner.

At Room Temperature

After baking, don’t leave the casserole out longer than two hours. Once it cools slightly, move any leftovers into an airtight container.

In the Refrigerator

Store in a sealed container or cover the dish tightly with foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Freezing Tips

This casserole freezes beautifully—just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping.

• To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, skip the cheese topping for now, and wrap it tightly. Add cheese right before baking.

• To freeze after baking: Let it cool fully, then portion it into freezer-safe containers.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a lifesaver on busy days. Assemble it in the morning, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just be sure to dice them small or slice them thin so they cook through. If you’re short on time, parboil them for a few minutes before assembling the casserole.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work well and bring slightly different flavors. You can also use a homemade white sauce if you prefer a from-scratch version.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers mix in easily and add color and nutrition. Just stir them in with the other ingredients before baking.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole, try one of these cozy casseroles and beef-based dinners from RecipeSeasys:

• Delicious Angel Beef Casserole – A rich and creamy baked beef dish.

• The Best Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole – Comforting with a veggie twist.

• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake – A cheesy, zesty pasta-bake upgrade.

• Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Perfect for pasta lovers.

• Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread – A sweet-savory twist with cornbread topping.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless about a dish like this one. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what you want when you need comfort on a plate. With just five ingredients and a few easy steps, this hamburger and potato casserole is a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fifth, it always hits the spot. So go ahead—preheat that oven, grab a mixing bowl, and bring some comfort to the table tonight.

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