5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole

Need a hearty, comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to whip up? Look no further than this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole. It’s the kind of dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With creamy soups, tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and savory beef, every bite is the definition of comfort food.

This casserole is a staple in many households for a reason: it’s simple, filling, and a total crowd-pleaser. Think of it as the lovechild of a shepherd’s pie and cheesy hash brown bake. If you’ve tried our Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake, this one offers the same cozy, meaty goodness in a one-dish wonder. Let’s get baking!

What is 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole?

You might be wondering: Can something this easy really be that delicious? Absolutely! This casserole combines five humble ingredients — ground beef, cream soups, frozen potatoes, and cheddar cheese — into a bubbly, golden-brown bake that tastes like a hug in a dish. The beauty is in the simplicity, and as the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So why not serve up a casserole that hits all the right notes?

Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Casserole

Only 5 Ingredients: It’s quick, easy, and you probably already have everything on hand.

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy soup base, tender potatoes, and savory beef deliver ultimate comfort food vibes.

Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy families.

If you liked our Tater Tot Casserole, this recipe brings the same stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction with fewer steps. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

How to Make 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole

Quick Overview

With just 10 minutes of prep and an hour in the oven, this easy casserole is ready to feed your hungry crew. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone short on time but big on flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
• 10.5 oz can cream of condensed mushroom soup
• 10.5 oz can cream of cheddar cheese soup
• 3 cups cubed frozen potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the excess grease.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, both cans of soup, frozen cubed potatoes, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil.
5. Bake: Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

What to Serve Ground Beef Casserole With

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• A crisp garden salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Applesauce or fruit salad for a sweet side

For a complete meal, round it out with a cool glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Casserole

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Less grease means less mess and better texture.
• Customize the Veggies: Add in peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Extra Cheese Please: Feel free to go heavy on the cheese — no one ever complained about too much!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until hot.
• Freezing: Assemble ahead and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, but dice them small and parboil first to ensure they cook through.

Can I substitute the soup flavors?
Absolutely! Try cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different twist.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit with kids.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prep it the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is the weeknight wonder your meal plan has been missing. Quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and loved by all ages, it’s a no-fuss dinner that delivers every time. Whip it up once, and it’ll become a family favorite in no time.