Quick Kid-Friendly Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of tender potatoes mingle with seasoned ground beef, creating a rustic dish bursting with flavor.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy centers.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Busy home cooks adore how quickly this casserole assembles and bakes to golden perfection.

With minimal prep and maximum taste, you’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing meal to your regular rotation.

Gather around the table and enjoy a classic comfort dish that brings everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Hamburger Casserole

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up a hearty, satisfying dinner with just five ingredients and minimal prep work, perfect for busy families craving a comforting home-cooked meal.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Save money and time with this wallet-friendly recipe that transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a delicious, filling casserole everyone will love.
• One-Dish Dish: Enjoy a complete meal in a single baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making dinnertime stress-free for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Kid-Approved Dinner Option: Delight picky eaters with a classic combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese that appeals to both children and adults alike.

What Goes Into a 5-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful meat that forms the hearty base of the casserole.

• Potatoes: Comforting starchy vegetable that creates a satisfying layer in the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy base that adds rich moisture to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty topping that provides a golden cheesy finish.

• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Easy Instructions for Hamburger & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and get ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat.

Break up the meat into small pieces while it sizzles and turns golden brown.

Once cooked, drain away any extra fat and give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 3: Slice And Prep Potatoes

Peel those potatoes and slice them thin – almost like delicate potato chips.

Spread these slices across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a crispy potato foundation.

Step 4: Layer The Goodness

Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the potato layer.

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Pour this creamy mixture all over the beef and potatoes, making sure everything gets a nice coating.

Step 5: Bake And Cover

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Let it bake for a full hour, allowing all those amazing flavors to mingle and merge.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.

Pop it back in the oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole sit and settle for 5 minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your hearty meal!

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful layered appearance.
• Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove maximum grease, preventing a soggy casserole and reducing excess fat.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Add diced onions, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and introduce more texture to the dish.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes before layering to prevent discoloration and remove excess starch.

How to Store and Reheat Your Hamburger Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, ensuring even warming and maintaining moisture.

Sides That Go Well With Hamburger & Potato Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss a light, refreshing green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole and add fresh vegetable crunch.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the hearty beef and cheese flavors, providing a robust drinking experience.
• Match with Tangy Pickles: Serve cold, crisp dill pickle spears on the side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that balances the creamy, savory casserole components.
• Refresh with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or light lager that will cleanse the palate and match the comfort food's warmth, creating a satisfying meal combination.

Swaps and Variations for This Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate option. Keep the cheese and beef for a keto-friendly approach.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and garlic to elevate the flavor profile. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for extra freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just make sure to season it well and drain any excess moisture after cooking.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes uniformly thin and avoid overcooking. Using starchy potatoes like Russet works best for maintaining texture during baking.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking, and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings as an alternative.

5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty 5-ingredient hamburger & potato casserole brings comfort directly to dinner tables with simple, satisfying ingredients. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese create a classic midwestern meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Starchy Base:

• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 can 10.75 ounces (305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
2. Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by sautéing in a skillet over medium heat, breaking down the meat and cooking thoroughly for 5-7 minutes. Eliminate excess fat and enhance with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
3. Carefully slice potatoes into thin, uniform pieces, creating a foundational layer across the bottom of a greased rectangular baking dish.
4. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly atop the potato landscape, creating a robust protein foundation.
5. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Gently cascade the soup mixture over the meat and potato layers, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
7. Seal the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients from direct heat and promoting even cooking.
8. Bake for one hour, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and flavors to meld harmoniously.
9. Remove foil and generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the surface, returning to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
10. Watch for a golden, bubbling cheese topping that signals the casserole’s perfect completion.
11. Allow the dish to rest briefly, permitting flavors to settle and making serving easier and more enjoyable.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin potato slices that cook evenly and create a more uniform texture.
• Experiment with different potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for varied taste and texture profiles.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-sodium, more nutritious alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg