Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Introduction

Oh, let me tell you—this Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food! It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are. Think tender, seasoned ground beef layered with perfectly cooked russet potatoes, all smothered in creamy mushroom soup and melted cheese. Every bite is a warm, cozy hug, with the kind of flavor that’ll have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

This casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a filling meal that’s easy to make but packed with flavor. And the best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning you’ll have minimal cleanup while still enjoying a hearty, satisfying dish. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up this comforting classic that’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Why You’ll Love Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole

This casserole is all about bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients to create something truly special. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:

Comforting & Hearty: Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and cheesy goodness make this dish both filling and satisfying. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

One-Pan Wonder: This is an easy, low-effort meal that requires minimal cleanup. Everything goes into one baking dish, which makes it perfect for busy nights.

Flavorful & Savory: The ground beef is perfectly seasoned, while the creamy mushroom soup and melted cheese tie everything together in a rich, savory way. Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole fits the bill. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Ground Beef: The star of the show. This hearty beef brings all the savory flavor and protein you need to make this casserole extra filling.

Russet Potatoes: Thinly sliced russet potatoes create the perfect base layer, soaking up all the flavors from the beef and the creamy sauce.

Mushroom Soup: The creamy, savory magic that binds the casserole together, adding moisture and richness to every bite.

Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese on top is a must—it adds that ooey-gooey, melty layer that’s hard to resist.

Onion: Diced onions bring a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor to the ground beef, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: A little bit of garlic and onion powder adds the perfect seasoning to the beef and potatoes, giving the dish that extra punch of flavor.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together. Just a pinch of salt and pepper helps enhance all the flavors.

Olive Oil or Butter: For cooking the ground beef and onions, adding a touch of richness to the filling.

Instructions

Let’s get started on this comforting casserole:

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, add in the diced onions and cook for a few more minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.

Season the Beef

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasoning and let the beef mixture simmer for a few minutes. This is where all the flavor starts to come together!

Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom. Top with half of the seasoned ground beef mixture, and then spread half of the mushroom soup over the beef. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup.

Add the Cheese

Once all the layers are in, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. You can never have too much cheese, right?

Bake It All Together

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to cook through and the flavors to meld together. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble to golden perfection.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, slice it up and serve it warm! Whether it’s alongside a salad or on its own, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be the main dish, but here are a few ideas for sides that’ll pair perfectly with it:

Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing touch to the meal.

Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any delicious sauce left on your plate.

Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans adds color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the savory casserole.

Additional Tips

Thinly Slice the Potatoes: Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly so they cook through evenly during baking. A mandolin slicer works wonders for uniform slices!

Cover During Baking: Covering the casserole with foil during the first part of baking ensures the potatoes cook all the way through without burning the cheese on top.

Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend for extra flavor.

Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole in advance, refrigerate it for a day or two, and then bake it when you’re ready. It also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for easy future meals!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A1: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give the casserole a slightly different flavor, but they pair beautifully with the savory ground beef and creamy mushroom soup.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just bake it straight from the freezer (you may need to add a little extra time).

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q4: Can I make this casserole without cheese?
A4: While cheese is a key part of the flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a dairy-free version. Just be sure to add extra seasonings or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep it delicious.

Q5: Can I use a different kind of soup?
A5: Yes! If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute.

Conclusion

This Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, savory, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to please. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to serve up some cozy, comforting goodness!

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