Dinner

Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

ByLana Polati October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

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Introduction

This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with cheddar and crunchy breadcrumbs make it a flavorful family favorite.

A close-up view of a baked casserole in a white ceramic dish, showing multiple layers: the bottom layer consists of light brown sliced potatoes with soft edges, followed by a thick layer of browned ground meat mixed with diced red and yellow bell peppers and onions, topped with melted golden-brown cheese that has slightly bubbly and crispy spots, and small pieces of chopped green onions sprinkled across the top. The dish is partly set on a woven cloth with a wooden table partly visible and stacked white plates with blue stripes in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, followed by half of the chopped onion. Pour half of the sauce over the layers. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, onion, and sauce.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté the onions with the ground beef before layering.
Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken soup for a different twist.
Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder taste or a mild cheddar for a creamier finish.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish in a deep white dish, filled with multiple layers. The base layer consists of yellow potato slices, cut thick and soft-looking, topped with a layer of cooked ground beef that is brown and crumbly. Scattered among the beef are small bits of red bell pepper, adding bright color. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and bubbly, covering the dish and mixing with the meat and potatoes. Small green parsley leaves are placed on top for garnish. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred stack of white plates and cutlery in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced frozen potatoes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before layering to avoid a watery casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.