Description: This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce bake together into a bubbling, golden brown masterpiece. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (russet or Yukon gold work well)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of cheddar soup (condensed) – or a second can of cream of mushroom if cheddar is unavailable. Cream of chicken soup is also an acceptable alternative
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste (freshly ground pepper is best)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving much easier. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution.
Step 2: Brown Ground Beef and Onions In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the ground beef. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The onions add a lovely sweetness that complements the savory beef.
Step 3: Drain Excess Grease Drain any excess grease from the skillet after the beef is cooked. This is important to prevent the casserole from becoming overly greasy. Use a colander or carefully spoon out the grease, leaving the beef and onions in the skillet.
Step 4: Prepare the Soup Mixture In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup (or second can of cream of mushroom), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined. The soup mixture forms the creamy base of the casserole, binding the ingredients together and adding a rich flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the potatoes will absorb some of the seasoning.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the potato slices in a slightly overlapping pattern to create a solid base. Next, spoon half of the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes. Make sure the beef is spread out to ensure a uniform distribution of flavor. Then, pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. This layer will begin to meld the flavors together as it bakes.
Step 6: Repeat the Layers Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef and onion mixture, and soup mixture. This ensures each layer has a generous amount of each ingredient. The layers create a wonderful texture and flavor profile in the finished dish.
Step 7: Cover and Bake Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the moisture and allow the potatoes to steam and cook through thoroughly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. This initial baking period ensures the potatoes are tender.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The cheese adds a wonderful richness and visual appeal to the casserole.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s the epitome of comfort food, offering a satisfying and warming meal that brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked goodness.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or beginner cooks.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses inexpensive ingredients that are readily available, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
- Versatile: The recipe is highly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. You can easily swap out ingredients, such as using different types of soup or adding vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is always a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven.
- Accompany it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- For a complete Southern-style meal, serve with collard greens or cornbread.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can add a refreshing tang.
Tips:
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes work well for this recipe because they are starchy and hold their shape during baking. Yukon gold potatoes offer a creamier texture.
- Thin Slicing: Ensure the potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly. This will help them cook through at the same rate. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for achieving uniform slices.
- Beef Quality: Using a good quality ground beef will improve the flavor of the casserole. An 80/20 blend is recommended for a good balance of flavor and leanness.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
- Adding Vegetables: Add diced carrots, peas, or green beans to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Soup Substitutions: Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as substitutes if you don’t have cream of mushroom or cheddar.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Option: Baked casserole can be frozen after baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg (values will vary depending on cheese)
Conclusion:
This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to share at a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to please. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of this classic Southern dish!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? A: While russet or yukon gold potatoes are traditional, you can definitely use sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious version. However, keep in mind that sweet potatoes cook slightly faster, so you may need to reduce the initial baking time by about 10 minutes.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A: Yes! To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. You could also use lentils or black beans for a more budget-friendly option. Be sure to sauté the vegetarian ground meat with the onions until cooked through.
- I don’t have cream of cheddar soup. What can I use instead? A: If you don’t have cream of cheddar soup, you can substitute it with a second can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup. You could also add a few tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese to the cream of mushroom soup to give it a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can make a simple cheese sauce from scratch using butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese.
- Can I add any other vegetables to this casserole? A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize this casserole and add extra nutrients. Diced carrots, peas, green beans, bell peppers, or corn would all be delicious additions. Sauté the vegetables with the onions and ground beef for best results.
- How do I prevent the top of the casserole from burning? A: To prevent the top of the casserole from burning, make sure to cover it with aluminum foil during the initial baking time. Then, remove the foil and add the cheese for the final 15–20 minutes of baking. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can tent a piece of foil over the top to protect it.
