A hearty, cheesy, and comforting casserole layered with beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce—perfect for family dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors.

• Layered casserole makes it hearty and filling.

• Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Easy to prepare ahead and bake when needed.

• Crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect texture.

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

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 410 kcal per serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Mix Sauce

In a bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

Layer half of the potatoes in the prepared dish. Top with half the cooked beef, half the chopped onions, and half the sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Add Breadcrumb Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake

Cover casserole with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.

• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.

• Make ahead: assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, just thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken soup or cream of celery works well as a substitute.

Can I add extra seasoning?

Absolutely—smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne adds a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—layered, cheesy, and hearty. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.