Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Sizzling Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering hamburger hashbrown casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a magical culinary dance.

Cheese melts perfectly between layers of crispy potatoes and seasoned ground beef.

Each forkful promises a satisfying combination of textures and robust flavors.

Families adore this simple yet delicious one-dish wonder that fills hungry bellies quickly.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing classic.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this warm, cheesy masterpiece.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole To Please A Crowd

  • Celebrate Quick Meal Prep: Combine ingredients in one bowl, layer in a dish, and bake with minimal chopping or complicated techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Customize Family Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for beef, using different beans, or adjusting spice levels to suit everyone's taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Pack Flavor in Every Bite: Blend robust spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder with enchilada sauce, creating a zesty Mexican-inspired dish that delivers bold, satisfying flavors in each serving.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Streamline dinner preparation with a complete meal in a single casserole, reducing cleanup time and providing a hearty, nutritious option that feeds multiple people simultaneously.

Must-Have Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Ingredients

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat base that provides the main protein for this comforting casserole.
For the Starch:
  • Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded potatoes that create a crispy and filling foundation for the casserole.
For the Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream, Milk, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients combine to create a rich, creamy texture and add depth of flavor to the dish.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: These ingredients add layers of savory flavor and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
For the Optional Toppings and Garnish:
  • Bacon, Green Onions, Additional Vegetables: These ingredients provide extra crunch, flavor, and a fresh touch to the finished dish.
For the Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions and garlic, contributing to the overall flavor profile.

Simple Steps To Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Simple Steps To Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain off excess fat and set the beef aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt butter and cook:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Fold in the sautéed onions, cooked ground beef, and thawed hashbrowns until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Casserole Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the top with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional crumbled bacon
  • Optional additional vegetables

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F (175C).

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

Tips For Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Wins

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease making the casserole soggy and heavy.
  • Thaw hashbrowns completely and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, not watery texture.
  • Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a milder flavor profile if preferred.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color variation in the dish.
  • Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Hashbrown Casserole Variations To Try Tonight

  • Southwest Fiesta Casserole: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage. Add diced green chiles, black beans, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of salsa.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Hashbrown Bake: Use ground lamb instead of beef. Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano. Sprinkle with diced kalamata olives before serving.
  • Vegetarian Garden Hashbrown Casserole: Substitute ground beef with sauteed mushrooms and roasted bell peppers. Add spinach and use vegetable cream soup. Top with plant-based cheese for a hearty meatless option.

Sides To Serve With Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to neighborhood gatherings or potluck events where people love easy, delicious comfort food.
  • Game Day Fuel-Up: Perfect for sports watching parties, this filling dish provides satisfying energy for cheering and enjoying the game with friends.
  • Weeknight Dinner Hero: Quickly prepare this one-pan meal that combines protein, potatoes, and cheese for a simple solution to busy evening meals.

Storage Tips For Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

  • Is hashbrown casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

  • Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled sausage work great as alternatives to ground beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned before adding to the casserole mixture.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger hashbrown casserole delivers classic comfort with layers of ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. Midwestern home cooking shines through this simple, satisfying dish that brings families together around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
  • 30 oz (850 g) frozen hashbrowns, thawed (shredded or diced)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, thoroughly breaking it into crumbly pieces and draining any accumulated fat.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and gently sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Create a creamy sauce base in a spacious mixing bowl by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and well-incorporated.
  5. Fold the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, browned ground beef, and thawed hashbrowns into the creamy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, and optionally add crumbled bacon or additional vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that indicates the casserole is thoroughly heated.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and serving hot.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and controlling salt during seasoning.
  • Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
  • Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verifying all ingredient labels carefully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 395 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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