When you're pressed for time or looking for a simple dinner solution, this 5-ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is your go-to recipe. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can whip up a hearty, satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe, and by the end, you’ll have a delicious, comforting casserole on the table with minimal effort.
What is a "Hamburger & Potato Casserole"?
This Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It combines juicy, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together to perfection. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both filling and easy to make. Plus, with only five ingredients, it’s a no-fuss dish that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients List for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
You only need 5 simple ingredients to make this satisfying casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ½ cup milk (to thin the soup and add creaminess)
These ingredients combine to create layers of flavor and texture, turning basic items into a hearty, delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe keeps things simple with only five ingredients, there’s plenty of room for customization. Here are some ideas if you want to change things up or adapt it to your family’s preferences:
- Ground Beef Substitutes: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work just as well in this casserole. For a plant-based version, you can use a meatless ground beef alternative.
- Potato Alternatives: Instead of potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or even a combination of both to change the flavor and nutritional profile.
- Cream of Mushroom Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade bechamel sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans to boost the nutrition. Just stir them into the beef mixture before layering.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Even with these variations, the recipe remains easy, budget-friendly, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This 5-ingredient casserole is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks. Just follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks until it's browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Drain off any excess fat.
- Layer the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about ¼ inch thick). Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the beef: Once the ground beef is fully cooked, spread it evenly over the first layer of potatoes in the dish.
- Make the soup mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup with the ½ cup of milk. Stir until smooth. Pour half of this mixture over the beef and potatoes in the dish.
- Layer remaining potatoes: Arrange the rest of the sliced potatoes on top of the beef and soup mixture.
- Add cheese and soup: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the cheese.
- Cover and bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and the cheese to melt completely.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this easy casserole involves layering the ingredients and letting the oven do most of the work. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key steps:
- Prepare your ingredients: Have your potatoes peeled and sliced, the ground beef cooked, and the soup mixture ready to go.
- Layer the ingredients: First, layer the potatoes, followed by the beef, and then the soup mixture. Repeat the layers if needed, depending on the depth of your dish.
- Bake covered: Covering the dish with foil ensures the potatoes cook through evenly without drying out.
- Finish uncovered: Baking uncovered for the last few minutes allows the cheese to get golden and bubbly on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: If your potato slices are too thick, they won’t cook through properly. Aim for thin, even slices to ensure they become tender.
- Skipping the foil: Covering the casserole with foil is crucial to steam the potatoes and make sure they cook evenly. Don’t skip this step!
- Not seasoning the beef: While the cream of mushroom soup and cheese add flavor, you still want to season the ground beef with a little salt, pepper, or even garlic powder to make sure the casserole is well-seasoned.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This casserole may be simple, but you can elevate its presentation with these tips:
- Portion with a spatula: Use a wide spatula to scoop the casserole, ensuring you get layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese in every bite.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make for a perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Serve Hamburger & Potato Casserole
Serving this casserole is straightforward, but here are a few ideas to make it even more delicious:
- Add sour cream or ketchup on the side: A dollop of sour cream or a squirt of ketchup on the side can complement the flavors of the casserole, especially for kids.
- Serve with crusty bread: For an extra treat, serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
- Make it a full meal: This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it alongside roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or steamed green beans to round out the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger & Potato Casserole
While this is a simple dish, you can make it look extra appealing with just a few tweaks:
- Individual servings: For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins. This makes each portion feel special.
- Serve in a cast iron skillet: If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook and serve the casserole directly in it for a rustic, family-style presentation.
- Top with crunchy onions: For extra texture, sprinkle the casserole with crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of baking.
Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it from cold.
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the uncooked casserole. After assembling, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Yes! If you're short on time, frozen hash browns can be a great substitute. Simply layer them as you would the sliced potatoes.
Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Use ground turkey instead of beef, substitute low-fat cheese, and opt for a lower-sodium cream soup to make a lighter version of this dish.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or even chopped broccoli can increase the nutritional value and make it a complete one-dish meal.
Conclusion
This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights when you need a hearty meal that comes together quickly. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing for leftovers, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a warm, filling meal with minimal effort!
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Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This easy 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole recipe is a satisfying and hearty dish that's perfect for busy nights. Combining ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce, this casserole is a family favorite that requires minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes (sliced)
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheese
- Onion (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, then drain.
- Layer sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Spread browned beef over potatoes.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 minutes to brown the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or paprika to the ground beef.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for more texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
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