If you’re in the mood for a comforting dish that brings warmth and delight to every bite, look no further than the Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and taste, making it a must-have for busy weekday dinners or laid-back weekends. With its delightful mix of savory beef, tender potatoes, and rich creamy soup all blanketed in melted cheddar, it’s bound to please everyone at the table. This casserole is not just a meal but a complete comfort package in a dish. Its simplicity requires minimal kitchen effort, and with just five ingredients, you’ll find yourself surprised at how quickly it comes together. The combination of hearty beef and potatoes provides a fulfilling base, while the cheese and mushroom soup blend creates an irresistibly smooth, cheesy top layer that bakes to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Quick and Simple: Minimal preparation with just five staple ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Comfort Food: Delivers that cozy feeling with rich, savory flavors.
- Convenient: Uses frozen potatoes and canned soup for ease.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before jumping into making this casserole, prepare your kitchen space to ensure a smooth cooking experience. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. You’ll want to have a greased 9×13-inch baking dish on hand as it forms the base for your casserole. In terms of tools, a reliable skillet is key for browning the beef, while a large mixing bowl is necessary for combining all primary ingredients: the cooked beef, potatoes, and soup. Don’t forget a sturdy spatula to spread the ingredients evenly across the baking dish. This recipe demands little more than basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for chefs of all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s thoroughly heated by the time you’re ready to place your casserole inside. While the oven is preheating, take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, preventing any sticking during the baking process.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Using a medium-sized skillet, brown the ground beef along with the onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent. Once cooked, remove any excess fat to enhance the dish’s overall texture and taste.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked beef, frozen diced potatoes, and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Mix well until all ingredients are equally coated with the soup. This ensures that each bite of your casserole will be evenly flavored.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Place the mixture in your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, creating a delicious cheesy layer that will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole, uncovered, in your preheated oven for approximately 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dish is hot throughout and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden perfection. Remove from the oven once cooked, allowing it to cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Let your casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm on plates. Enjoy the lovely combination of flavors with each spoonful.
Variations
- Protein: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or corn for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate some garlic powder or paprika for additional depth of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Brown the beef and onion thoroughly to ensure all excess fat is removed for a cleaner dish.
- Using frozen potatoes helps speed up prep time, but ensure they are evenly distributed in the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
- Serve with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
Tips
- Grate your cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.
- Prepare a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh for a faster dinner time option.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
- Protein: 22 grams
- Sodium: 950 mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the day before and keep it refrigerated. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Ensure it cools completely before wrapping tightly and placing it in the freezer. Reheat in the oven until thoroughly heated to serve.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can try cream of chicken or cream of celery to achieve a similar creaminess and taste.
How do I adjust this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can easily double the ingredients and use two baking dishes for larger groups. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed depending on oven performance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a wholesome family dinner or a comforting dish for yourself, the Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a fantastic choice. It’s crafted to be simple yet packed with delicious layers of flavor. We hope you give it a try and find it as delightful as we do. Feel free to share your experience or your own variations on this recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and taste, making it a must-have for busy weekday dinners or laid-back weekends. With its delightful mix of savory beef, tender potatoes, and rich creamy soup all blanketed in melted cheddar, it’s bound to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat.
- Mix cooked beef, potatoes, and soup in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in prepared dish and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let sit before serving.
Notes
Grate your cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor. You can prepare a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh for a faster dinner time option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 22 grams