Southern Style Hamburger
A hearty Southern-style hamburger dish with savory tomato sauce, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 can tomato soup
- 1 c. tomato catsup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in shortening.
- Add chopped celery, onion, and green pepper.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato soup, tomato catsup, celery salt, salt, pepper, flour, brown sugar, vinegar, and prepared mustard.
- Slowly cook the mixture for 1 hour.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground beef with a higher fat content. If you're out of shortening, butter or oil can work as substitutes. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or using honey instead. For a twist, incorporate some Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Style Hamburger on toasted hamburger buns for a satisfying meal. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad for a complete experience. For a delightful twist, consider adding pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick. This dish also goes well with a refreshing side salad or corn on the cob, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mixture on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring to ensure even warmth. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Hamburger contains roughly 554 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1878mg per serving (82% 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 use turkey or chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be mindful that the cooking time might vary slightly, and you may need to add a bit more fat to keep the mixture moist. Season well, as poultry can be milder in flavor. It’s a great way to lighten up the dish while still enjoying the hearty goodness.
What can I serve with Southern Style Hamburger?
This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. If you're in the mood for something heartier, cornbread or fries are excellent choices. Don't forget to offer a variety of condiments so everyone can customize their burgers to taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For meal prep, you can also freeze the cooked mixture and thaw it when needed, ensuring a quick meal option on busy days.
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).