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Southern Hamburger & Potato Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy & Comforting

Enjoy a taste of Southern comfort with this Hamburger and Potato Casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese baked to perfection make this dish a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave hearty, cheesy comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish or equivalent casserole dish
  • Skillet for browning ground beef
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Optional: grater for cheese

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or southern blend)
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, or hot sauce
  • Optional herbs: thyme, parsley, or rosemary

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Prepare Potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice evenly. Partially cook if desired for even baking.
  • Brown Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and seasonings until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Layer Ingredients: Begin with a layer of potatoes, followed by beef, cheese, and optional veggies. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
  • Add Creaminess: Pour milk or cream evenly over the layers.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Rest: Allow casserole to rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Flavor Variations: Add jalapeños for spice, mushrooms for earthy depth, or different cheese blends for melty richness.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free cream soup substitute.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers 3–4 days; freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes restores melted cheese and warmth.
Keyword cheesy potato casserole, Comfort Food Casserole, family dinner recipe, ground beef casserole, southern hamburger casserole