If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas, the Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is just what you need. This classic casserole layers tender, thinly sliced potatoes with savory ground beef, brightened by finely chopped onions and a creamy mushroom sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery breadcrumb crust, this dish offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and a wonderful texture. From the hearty ground beef to the creamy mushroom soup and crispy breadcrumb topping, these simple pantry staples come together to form one sensational dish.

1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and hearty protein that is the casserole’s mainstay.
4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Thin slices ensure even cooking and give a luscious, soft bite.
1 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to every layer.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly for a gooey, cheesy topping that’s simply irresistible.
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder that melds all the flavors together.
1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup base to create a smooth and luscious sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses each bite with a subtle garlic warmth that wakes up the taste buds.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a touch of herbaceous freshness balancing the richness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning that enhances all the casserole’s components.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy and golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender inside.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps toast the breadcrumbs to perfection and adds a luscious finish.

How to Make Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, setting the perfect foundation for the layers to come.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This step brings out deep meaty flavors. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy, making the dish balanced and delicious.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This creamy sauce is the magic that ties every component of the Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole together, delivering both moisture and savory depth.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Begin by spreading half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, layer half of the cooked ground beef and then half of the chopped onions. Pour half of the creamy sauce over these layers. Repeat these steps with the remaining potatoes, beef, onion, and sauce. Layering like this ensures every bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter. This combo will crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, irresistible crust that adds an amazing crunch to the soft, creamy inside.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top turns golden brown and crispy. This final step is essential for achieving that perfect balance of creamy inside and crunchy top that makes the Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Garnishes

To bring a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side is another delightful touch that adds creamy tang and keeps every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This casserole is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. These sides offer bright, fresh flavors and a bit of crunch to balance the creamy, smoky casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole in small ramekins, topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy personal crust. You can also spoon it over a bed of sautéed greens to add color and create an inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal that tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this casserole well in advance, it freezes beautifully. After assembling (but before baking), cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s cooked through and piping hot.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the top regains some crispness. You can also microwave individual portions, but to keep that wonderful crunchy topping, the oven is always best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar adds the perfect sharpness and meltiness, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you want a bit of a spicy kick.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling potatoes ensures a smoother texture and a more delicate bite in the casserole, but leaving the skins on adds rustic charm and extra nutrients if you prefer a heartier version.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or create a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings for a fresher, less processed option.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and check that your soup cans are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.

What’s the best way to thinly slice potatoes?

A mandoline slicer is a fantastic tool for even, thin potato slices, which bake more uniformly and create that ideal tender texture in the casserole.

Final Thoughts

The Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate that brings families together and delights dinner guests alike. Its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with savory beef and tender potatoes make it an unbeatable comfort food classic. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create something so wonderfully satisfying and downright delicious.

Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with cheddar cheese and buttery breadcrumbs for a deliciously golden crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

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

Dairy and Sauce

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings and Toppings

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

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful sauce that will bind the layers.
Assemble the casserole layers: Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by half of the chopped onion. Pour half of the mushroom sauce mixture evenly over these layers. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, onion, and sauce to build a rich casserole.
Add cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of the casserole to add a creamy, melty richness.
Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing well until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cheese layer to create a crunchy, golden crust after baking.
Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

For a creamier casserole, you can use half-and-half instead of milk.
Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking and better layering.
Feel free to add more vegetables such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Use fresh thyme if available instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving to make it easier to cut and serve.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.