I absolutely love sharing this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those magic meals that’s incredibly simple yet so comforting. You’ll find that with just a handful of ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how creamy and delicious it turned out with such a short ingredient list. Plus, the combination of mushrooms, cheddar, and tender potatoes transforms basic ground beef into a dish my whole family goes crazy for. Trust me, you won’t miss a complicated recipe when you try this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Only five key ingredients come together to create an irresistibly creamy and satisfying casserole.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: This dish is quick to prep and bakes while you tackle other things, freeing up your time.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: It’s a crowd-pleaser with familiar flavors that everyone—from kids to picky eaters—will enjoy.
- Easy Pantry Staples: You probably already have these ingredients on hand, making it an effortless go-to meal option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way these ingredients blend seamlessly. When shopping, aim for quality ground beef and keep the frozen potatoes frozen until prep time to keep things easy and fresh.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This adds earthiness and creaminess without extra effort.
- Condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup: The cheesy punch that makes this casserole irresistibly rich.
- Frozen cubed potatoes: No peeling or chopping needed—just toss them in straight from the freezer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor, and save some to sprinkle on top.
Variations
I like to switch things up every now and then with this casserole to keep it fresh and tailor it to what I have on hand or what my family prefers. Feel free to customize—it’s your kitchen after all!
- Ground turkey instead of beef: I tried this swap to lighten up the dish and my family loved the slightly different flavor.
- Add veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition—super simple additions that sneak in some veggies.
- Spicy twist: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a fun change in taste and texture.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, and let it brown evenly—this step builds a rich base flavor. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease so your casserole isn’t too oily. I like to drain into a heat-safe container and then dispose of it properly—keeps the dish tasting fresh and lean.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add your browned beef along with the cans of cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar cheese soups. Next, add the frozen cubed potatoes and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper—this is what ties everything together flavor-wise. Give it all a good stir until everything is evenly mixed. This part is so satisfying because you get to see all those creamy, cheesy ingredients combine.
Step 3: Bake Your Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the mixture. Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil—it helps everything cook evenly and keeps the top nice and moist. Pop it in your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and bake for another 30 minutes so the top gets golden and bubbly. Patience here definitely pays off!
Pro Tips for Making 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Use Quality Beef: I learned early on that using 80/20 ground beef gives the best balance of flavor and moisture—leaner meat can dry out the casserole.
- Don’t Skip the Drain: Removing excess grease after browning means your casserole stays creamy, not greasy—a small step that makes a big difference.
- Freshly Shred Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese usually has additives that stop it from melting smoothly—grating your own makes the topping gooey and luscious.
- Cover Loosely With Foil: To avoid soggy cheese topping, I always tent the foil so it doesn’t stick to the crust but still traps moisture for even cooking.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling some freshly chopped green onions or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream works wonders too—adding a cool, tangy contrast to the cheesy richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to add some crispness. I also enjoy serving it alongside a warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to divide the casserole into individual ramekins—it makes for a charming presentation and handy portion control. Another fun idea is layering it with some sliced tomatoes on top before baking for a fresh, colorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole reheats really well and makes a perfect next-day lunch. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully several times in a freezer-safe dish—just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. The texture stays creamy and delicious, almost like freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist. I’ve found microwaving works too if you’re in a rush, but the oven does a nicer job preserving that cheesy bake on top.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen cubed potatoes in this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but I recommend parboiling or partially cooking them before mixing to ensure they cook through in the same time as in the recipe. Frozen cubed potatoes save time and generally cook evenly during baking.
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Is there a substitute for the cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar cheese soups?
If you prefer homemade versions, you can make simple cream sauces using butter, flour, milk, and your choice of mushrooms or cheese. However, using canned soups keeps this recipe super quick, which is what makes it so special!
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How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Drain the cooked ground beef well and avoid thawing frozen potatoes before mixing; this helps control moisture. Also, covering with foil loosely—not tightly sealed—helps moisture escape without drying out the dish.
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Can I prepare the casserole the night before and bake it the next day?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it well, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it covered first, then uncovered as the recipe directs for a fresh-from-the-oven meal the next day.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is one I turn to when I want something that feels like a warm hug after a long day but without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how it balances ease with hearty comfort. If you’re looking for a no-fuss crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining ground beef, creamy soups, frozen potatoes, and cheddar cheese, it creates a hearty meal that requires minimal prep and ingredients while delivering maximal flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
Condiments & Dairy
- 10.5 ounce can cream of condensed mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables
- 3 cups cubed frozen potatoes
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off the excess grease and transfer the cooked beef into a large mixing bowl.
- Add soups: Open the cans of cream of mushroom soup and cream of cheddar cheese soup and add both to the bowl with the ground beef.
- Add potatoes and cheese: Mix in the frozen cubed potatoes and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) to the bowl.
- Season and combine: Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir all the ingredients well until they are evenly combined.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and bake first half: Cover the casserole dish with tin foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Carefully remove the tin foil without disturbing the casserole and bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown and the casserole to cook thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and creamy ground beef casserole!
Notes
- Nutrition information is estimated using 2 pounds of ground beef for accuracy.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness.
- Additional tips and step-by-step pictures are available in the original post to help you make this recipe flawlessly.
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