Southern Hamburger Potato Casserole

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Introduction

The Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comfort food masterpiece that combines hearty ingredients with rich, creamy flavors, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. This dish offers a wonderful blend of ground hamburger, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce baked to perfection with melty cheese. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy customization, guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation. Dive into this wholesome recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

To recreate this delicious Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole, you’ll need some simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The combination of flavors makes it both satisfying and comforting for any hungry crowd.

Ground beef – 1 pound
Potatoes – 5 to 6 medium-sized, peeled and thinly sliced
Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 ounces)
Half-and-half – 1 cup
Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – 1 teaspoon

Prep Time

Preparation time for this dish is incredibly manageable, making it practical for busy weeknights or easy Sunday suppers. To begin, spend about 15-20 minutes slicing your potatoes, chopping the onion, and prepping your ingredients. The easy and straightforward prep makes it a breeze to get this casserole into the oven and on its way to becoming a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for this Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is approximately 1 hour. Combining the prep time of around 20 minutes with the cooking time, the total time for this recipe is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This hearty casserole is generous enough to serve 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family meals or leftovers for the next day.

Enjoy every bite of this classic Southern dish with its rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfectly paired with a side salad or dinner rolls, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the dining table!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Add your desired seasoning to the cooked ground beef. Typical options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.

Step 6: Layer the Potatoes

Place a layer of potato slices evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.

Step 7: Add the Ground Beef

Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potato layer.

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Create another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining ground beef.

Step 9: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk. Whisk or stir the mixture until smooth.

Step 10: Pour the Sauce

Evenly pour the soup and milk mixture over the layered potatoes and beef.

Step 11: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 12: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Step 13: Remove the Foil and Finish Baking

After 1 hour, remove the foil and allow the casserole to bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 14: Let it Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This ensures easier slicing and serving.

Notes

Note 1: Adjusting Seasonings

Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your personal preferences. You can add spices such as paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.

Note 2: Alternative Meats

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired. Cooking times should remain the same.

Note 3: Potato Options

If you prefer, you can use pre-sliced frozen potatoes or hash browns for convenience.

Note 4: Cheese Variations

Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for different flavors.

Note 5: Make It Ahead

You can prepare this casserole in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.

Note 6: Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Note 7: Serving Suggestions

Pair the casserole with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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Cook techniques

Properly preparing the potatoes

Thinly slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook properly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can help to achieve uniform thickness.

Cooking the ground beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is fully cooked and crumbled. Season the beef during cooking to layer in the flavors.

Assembling the casserole layers

Carefully layer the potatoes, ground beef, and sauce to evenly distribute flavors. Make sure the potatoes are completely covered to allow them to cook well.

Baking the casserole

Cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to retain moisture and ensure the potatoes cook through. Remove the foil toward the end to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

FAQ

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. You can also try plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

How do I know if the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes should be fork-tender when the casserole is done baking. Insert a fork into one of the thicker potato slices to check for doneness.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, the casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Conclusion

The Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together hearty flavors and a satisfying, creamy texture, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its simplicity and versatility make it a classic that is easy to prepare while offering room to customize according to your preferences.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Pair your casserole with a slice of warm, golden cornbread to complete the Southern comfort food experience.

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Add a lighter, crunchy side dish like green beans sautéed with almonds for balance and texture.

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Sweet Potato Casserole

For a touch of sweetness, serve a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows or pecans, balancing the flavor profile of your meal.

Hearty Meatloaf

If you’re looking for a protein-packed companion, a classic meatloaf with gravy will pair well with the casserole.

Garden Salad

A refreshing garden salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Grilled Zucchini

Add some smoky and charred notes with simple grilled zucchini slices seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge further with everyone’s favorite – creamy, baked macaroni and cheese for an extra layer of comfort.