Southern Hamburger Casserole
A hearty Southern-inspired casserole combining savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and flaky biscuits, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (5.5 oz.) can refrigerated biscuits ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- red pepper flakes (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and return the skillet to the stove.
- Add drained mushrooms, chopped green chilies, and cubed cream cheese to the skillet.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the cheese melts.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin.
- Split each refrigerated biscuit in half.
- Pat the biscuit halves into a lightly greased baking pan to form an even layer.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the biscuit dough.
- In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg; mix well and spread over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with paprika and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also add diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. If you don't have cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt can work as a substitute. Always taste the meat mixture before assembling to adjust seasoning based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier side, consider serving it with cornbread or biscuits. A dollop of salsa or guacamole can add a fresh touch when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out, heating at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 397 calories, with 11g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1218mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cook time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you don't like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative that will provide a similar texture. You can also use a combination of Greek yogurt and shredded cheese for a creamy filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).