The kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma of beef browning in a hot skillet, potatoes getting tender, and cheese melting into golden perfection. This 5 ingredient ground beef casserole with potatoes is comfort food at its absolute finest. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table without being asked.
Think of it as the ultimate weeknight savior – just ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a couple pantry staples layered into pure cozy magic. It’s like those hearty hamburger potato casseroles your mom used to make, but faster and more forgiving. The potatoes get creamy, the beef stays juicy, and everything melds together beautifully. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been experimenting with this combination for months, tweaking the herb balance and testing different potato cuts until I found the perfect harmony. My secret? A pinch of smoked paprika that transforms the whole dish from good to absolutely irresistible. I tested it on my pickiest friends – they’re still asking for the recipe.
PrintEasy 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes
This 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes is a simple family-friendly meal that comes together quickly. Enjoy an easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Soup that makes a comforting dinner. Perfect for fans of Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole 5 Ingredients and Quick 5 Ingredient Meat Potato Bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1–1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 10.5 ounce can cream of condensed mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 3 cups cubed frozen potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain off the fat, and transfer the meat to a large bowl.
- Stir in both the cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar cheese soups.
- Add the frozen cubed potatoes along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix everything until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9 inch by 13 inch casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 513 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 445 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 142 mg
Why This Recipe Will Win Your Heart
There’s something magical about a 5 ingredient ground beef casserole with potatoes that transforms your kitchen into the coziest place on earth. The beauty lies in its simplicityjust five pantry staples creating layers of comfort that bubble away in your oven while you catch your breath from the day.
What I love most is how forgiving this dish is. The frozen cubed potatoes eliminate all the peeling and chopping, while the cream soups create a velvety sauce that coats everything perfectly. It’s like having a warm hug waiting in your casserole dish.
- One-dish wonder: Everything bakes together, so cleanup is minimal
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble earlier and bake when you’re ready
Breaking Down Your Simple Ingredients
Each ingredient in this casserole plays a specific role in creating that perfect comfort food balance. The ground beef provides hearty protein, while the frozen cubed potatoes become tender and creamy as they absorb all those wonderful flavors during baking.
The real magic happens with the two cream soupsthe cream of mushroom soup adds earthy depth, while the cream of cheddar cheese soup brings rich, tangy creaminess that makes this dish irresistible. The shredded cheddar cheese is divided, with half mixed in for flavor and half sprinkled on top for that golden, bubbly finish we all crave.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Smart Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Hearty protein base | Ground turkey or chicken |
| Cream of mushroom soup | Earthy flavor foundation | Cream of celery soup |
| Cream of cheddar soup | Creamy cheese sauce | Cheese sauce or milk + cheese |
| Frozen cubed potatoes | Starchy comfort base | Fresh potatoes, cubed |
| Shredded cheddar | Extra cheese richness | Monterey Jack or Colby |
How It All Comes Together
The process is beautifully straightforwardbrown your ground beef first to develop that savory foundation, then mix everything together in one big bowl. This reminds me of those quick 5 ingredient meat potato bakes that busy families have relied on for generations.
The key is mixing everything gently but thoroughly so each potato cube gets coated with the creamy soup mixture. When you pour it into your greased casserole dish, spread it evenly and don’t forget that final sprinkle of cheese on topit creates the most gorgeous golden crust.
- First 30 minutes covered: Steams the potatoes tender
- Final 30 minutes uncovered: Creates that irresistible golden top
- Rest 5 minutes: Lets everything set up perfectly for serving
Troubleshooting Your Casserole
Sometimes casseroles can be a bit unpredictable, but this one is pretty forgiving. If your potatoes seem too firm after the full baking time, cover again with foil and give it another 10-15 minutesevery oven runs a little differently.
If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes. The beauty of this ground beef tater tot casserole style approach is that it’s very hard to mess up completely.
- Watery casserole: Make sure to drain the ground beef completely
- Dry casserole: Cover with foil if it seems to be drying out
- Uneven cooking: Spread mixture evenly in your dish
Making It Your Own
While this recipe is perfect as-is, there’s always room for little personal touches. I love adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the ground beef while it’s browningit adds another layer of flavor without complicating things.
You can easily transform this into different flavor profiles by switching up your cheese or adding herbs. Some families love stirring in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to make it even heartier, similar to how you might dress up a traditional hamburger potato casserole.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This casserole serves beautifully right from the dishjust scoop generous portions onto plates alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It’s substantial enough to be the star of your dinner table, but humble enough for a cozy weeknight meal.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this perfect for meal prep or feeding your family for a couple of days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if day two tastes even better than day one.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (covered) | 3-4 days | 350°F oven, covered, 20 minutes |
| Freezer (portioned) | 2-3 months | Thaw overnight, then reheat |
| Individual portions | 3-4 days | Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway |
Expert Says
Ground beef is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. In this 5 ingredient ground beef casserole with potatoes, the starch from the potatoes not only enhances texture but also helps absorb flavors from the meat and seasonings, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
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The Path to My 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes
Perfecting this 5-ingredient ground beef casserole with potatoes was a delightful challenge that took a few attempts. I initially over-seasoned one batch, leaving us with a rather amusing dinner story. Now, after many tasters and tweaks, it embodies cozy, satisfying warmth that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.
FAQs ( 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes )
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen hash browns or diced potatoes work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing, though you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes. This saves prep time and still delivers a delicious, hearty meal.
What type of soup works best for this casserole?
Cream of mushroom is the classic choice for easy hamburger potato casserole soup-style dishes, but cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup also work beautifully. Pick whichever your family prefers – they all create that creamy, comforting texture everyone loves.
How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
Slice your potatoes thinly and uniformly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, so they cook evenly. Cover the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes to trap steam, which helps soften the potatoes faster. Test with a fork before removing from the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will start cold. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
What cheese melts best on top?
Sharp cheddar is my go-to for rich flavor and beautiful melting, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work wonderfully. Shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest results.
Your New Go-To Comfort Recipe
This 5 ingredient ground beef casserole with potatoes delivers everything you want in just over an hour of mostly hands-off time. You’ll love how the potatoes become perfectly tender while soaking up all those savory flavors, and that golden cheese top creates the most satisfying contrast. It’s pure comfort in every single bite.
Here’s my favorite twist: try swapping half the cheddar for sharp white cheddar or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef. Both frozen and fresh cubed potatoes work beautifully, though fresh ones need an extra 10-15 minutes. Leftovers actually taste even better the next dayjust cover with foil and reheat gently.
I’d love to see your version! Snap a photo and tag us if you make it your own with different cheeses or seasonings. Did your family have a signature casserole growing up? There’s something so special about these simple, hearty dishes that bring everyone to the table. Save this one for your next cozy dinner night.
