Easy 5-Ingredient Hamburger & Potato Casserole: Comfort Food Simplified
Craving a hearty, satisfying meal but short on time and ingredients? Look no further! This 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is the perfect solution. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s the super-simple ingredient list:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 (28 oz) Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 (16 oz) Container Sour Cream
- 1 (26 oz) Package Frozen Diced Potatoes (such as Ore-Ida Diced Hash Browns)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate in Minutes
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step can be simplified using pre-cooked ground beef if available.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the browned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the frozen diced potatoes in an even layer. Pour the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Top with the remaining potatoes, spreading them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Let it Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Tips and Variations for Hamburger & Potato Casserole Perfection
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables to the ground beef while browning.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Cream Soup Swaps: Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a creamy cheddar soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom.
- Make it Lighter: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content. You can also use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Preparation Tips: The ground beef mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes meal prep even easier!
Conclusion
This 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Enjoy!
