Introduction
This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potato slices, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with golden melted cheddar and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish delivers classic Southern warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the potato slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked beef and half of the chopped onions. Pour half of the sauce over the layer. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and sauce.
5. Add the Cheese and Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture on top of the cheese layer.
6. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown.
Serving Tips
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing.
Variations
- Cheesy Bacon Twist: Add crumbled cooked bacon between the layers for smoky flavor.
- Loaded Veggie Option: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g