Southern Hamburger Potato Casserole

Southern Hamburger and Potato Casserole makes a cozy family meal that always disappears fast around my table This simple casserole delivers everything you want for comfort dinner savory beef creamy potatoes and gooey cheese As the weather cools down and schedules get busy I love popping this in the oven for an easy satisfying answer to what is for dinner

This casserole became an instant hit at my house The first time I made it on a chilly Sunday it disappeared before I could go back for seconds

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides the main savory flavor and protein Choose high quality beef with a good lean to fat ratio
• Russet potatoes: give a creamy texture and hold their shape well Look for potatoes with firm skins and no green spots
• Onion and garlic: add aromatic flavor Chop them fine so they blend nicely in the casserole
• Sour cream: creates instant creaminess For something tangier try full fat versions
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into a bubbly topping Choose sharp cheddar for the best flavor and grate your own if possible
• Milk: loosens the sauce and brings the mixture together Any whole or two percent milk works well
• Cream of mushroom soup: boosts richness and flavor Use low sodium or organic versions for a cleaner taste
• Paprika: adds warmth and color Smoked paprika works beautifully if you want a hint of rustic flavor
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning Adjust based on the saltiness of your beef and soup
• Dried thyme: brings a subtle herbal note Rub the leaves between your fingers as you add them to wake up their flavor
• Olive oil: is used for browning the beef and softening the onions Choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Fresh parsley: for garnish gives a fresh finish Choose bright green parsley with no wilted leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish well This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks Cook until no longer pink and lightly crispy around the edges Drain off any excess fat for the best casserole texture

Sauté Onion and Garlic:

Add chopped onion and minced garlic right into the browned beef Keep cooking over medium until the onions become translucent and the mixture smells fragrant Season now with paprika salt pepper and dried thyme This is where the deep flavor starts

Mix the Creamy Sauce:

In a mixing bowl stir together the sour cream milk and cream of mushroom soup until smooth This will be your magic creamy binder for all the layers

Layer the Casserole:

Arrange a single layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of your prepared dish Spoon on half of the beef mixture then drizzle a third of the creamy sauce over top Repeat the layering so you end up with potato beef sauce finishing with sauce

Bake Covered:

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for forty five minutes This steams the potatoes so they turn melting soft and the flavors meld

Add the Cheese and Finish Baking:

Remove the foil and sprinkle all the cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole Pop it back in the oven for ten more minutes or until the cheese becomes melty and bubbles form at the edges

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole cool for five to ten minutes to set Slice and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor

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Potatoes shine in this casserole and I have fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen where she always insisted on slicing them super thin The creamy cheese topping always draws big smiles at my table

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days The flavors deepen overnight making leftovers taste even richer To reheat use a low oven or zap individual servings in the microwave Add a splash of milk if it needs moistening

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter meal swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or use half and half instead of milk Vegans can try plant based ground meat and non dairy cheese For the mushroom soup use a homemade version if you want to keep it gluten free

Serving Suggestions

Round out this casserole with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans For potlucks cut into squares and tuck onto a platter with pickles or extra parsley For added comfort serve with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce

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Cultural History

Hamburger and potato casseroles have roots in American budget cooking particularly popular in the south where hearty meals were made from few ingredients Recipes like this started as a way to stretch beef and turn potatoes into something memorable Over generations it became a comfort staple in many kitchens

Pro Tips

• Use a mandoline to slice potatoes paper thin so they cook evenly
• Always drain excess fat from the beef to avoid greasy layers
• Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking so slices come out clean

Common Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed when ready to serve.

→ Which potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they become tender and absorb flavors well during baking.

→ Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter variation, though flavor will slightly change.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the sauce?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all packaged ingredients are gluten-free for a safe version.

→ How can I make the casserole lighter?

Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and choose low-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat content.