Hearty Layers of Ground Beef, Potatoes & Mushroom Sauce
This Creamy Southern Beef & Potato Bake is a comforting, one-dish wonder that layers tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich mushroom soup sauce under a golden breadcrumb topping. With a melty cheddar finish and warm herbs—it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together for a cozy family meal.
Perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or when you’re craving a taste of Southern comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥔 Comfort Food Classic: Tender potatoes soak up all the creamy, savory flavors.
- 🥘 Beef & Braise Magic: Browned beef adds depth and richness to every layer.
- 🍄 Mushroom Soup Base: Adds velvety texture and earthy flavor without heavy cream.
- 🧀 Cheesy Crunch: Cheddar cheese melts into the top layer before the breadcrumbs crisp up.
- ⏱️ Easy Assembly: Just layer, bake, and serve—no complicated steps required.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Layers:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter version)
- 4 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes (about 3 medium – slice evenly for even baking)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (whole milk gives best creaminess)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Set aside while preparing the layers.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook:
- Ground beef until browned and crumbly
- Drain excess fat if needed
Set aside while making the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Thyme
- A dash of salt and pepper
Mix until smooth and pourable.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In the prepared pan, layer in order:
Layer 1:
- Half of the potatoes
- Half of the cooked beef
- Half of the onion
- Half of the creamy mushroom mixture
Layer 2:
- Remaining potatoes
- Remaining beef and onion
- Rest of the mushroom sauce
Smooth out the top so it’s even before moving on.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the top evenly with cheddar cheese .
In a small bowl, mix:
- Breadcrumbs
- Melted butter
Spread the mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes .
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes , or until the top is golden and crispy , and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps everything firm up slightly.
Step 7: Serve Warm & Comforting
Slice and serve warm straight from the pan.
Pair with green beans, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a complete Southern-style dinner.
Tips for Success:
- 🥄 Use Cold Milk: Helps the soup-based sauce stay smooth and not curdle.
- 🧂 Taste Before Salting: Canned soup can be salty—adjust seasoning accordingly.
- 🥣 Add Veggies: Stir in carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meat layer for extra nutrition.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Option: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake just before serving.
- 📦 Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and freeze portions for future meals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect at family dinners, church suppers, or game day spreads.
- Ideal for meal prep—store slices in the fridge and reheat in oven or microwave.
- Great with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 8 servings – approximate):
(Without optional additions – based on regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~16g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~4g
This Creamy Southern Beef & Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food dish that feels like home in every bite. With its soft potato layers, savory beef, and golden breadcrumb crunch—it’s a warm hug on a plate.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because once you try it—you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
