Description

This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce are topped with cheddar cheese and buttery breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. This casserole combines simple ingredients into a delicious, filling meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup onion, finely chopped

Dairy and Pantry

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

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and all seasonings are incorporated.
Layer the casserole: Begin by spreading half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, layer half of the cooked ground beef, followed by half of the chopped onions. Pour half of the prepared sauce evenly over these layers. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, onions, and sauce.
Add cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the layered casserole. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cheese to create a crunchy topping.
Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the breadcrumb topping has turned a golden brown color.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture during cooking.
Using thinly sliced potatoes is crucial to ensure they cook fully within the baking time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
To make it lower in fat, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
Ensure the casserole is covered tightly during the first part of baking to keep moisture inside and achieve tender potatoes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, comfort food, cheesy potato bake