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Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of the casserole to add a creamy, melty richness.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern casserole, hamburger casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, creamy mushroom sauce, baked casserole, cheddar cheese topping