Savory Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Family Nights

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering hamburger hashbrown casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of hearty ground beef blend seamlessly with crispy golden hashbrowns.

Melted cheese creates a gooey blanket over the savory ingredients, ensuring every bite delivers maximum flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet delectable dish.

The casserole combines classic American flavors in one irresistible pan.

Packed with protein and guaranteed to please even picky eaters, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive into a comforting feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Wins for Comfort

• Toss in extra veggies or seasonings to transform this basic recipe into a personalized comfort food masterpiece that suits your taste preferences.
• Combine affordable ingredients like ground beef, hash browns, and cheese to create a satisfying dish that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor and comfort.
• Prepare, mix, and bake everything in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and streamlining the entire cooking process for busy home cooks seeking convenience.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: The hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor to the casserole.
• Onions: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the ground beef mixture.

• Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: Creates the comforting, starchy foundation of the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy, binding sauce that enhances the overall moisture and flavor.
• Milk: Helps to create a smooth, cohesive texture in the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty goodness that adds richness and depth to the dish.

• Frozen Peas, Mixed Vegetables: Offers additional nutrition and color to the casserole.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Provides optional extra seasoning for customization.

• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Ensures easy removal of the casserole from the baking dish.

How to Assemble Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a warm 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with non-stick spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

Cook until the beef browns and onions turn translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it sizzles.

Step 3: Eliminate Excess Grease

Carefully drain off any extra fat from the skillet.

This keeps your casserole from becoming a greasy mess.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, blend the browned beef and onions with thawed shredded hash brown potatoes.

Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Black pepper

Blend thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in creamy deliciousness.

Step 6: Boost the Flavor

• Frozen peas
• Mixed vegetables
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Fold these in to personalize your dish.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Spread evenly with a spatula, creating a smooth surface.

Step 8: Crown with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, melty layer.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes.

Look for a golden top and bubbling cheese that signals it’s ready.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking.

This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Scoop out and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Hashbrown Casserole

• Remove excess grease completely from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more enjoyable texture.
• Add frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color, making the dish more balanced and interesting.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor that elevates the entire casserole's taste profile and provides a richer dining experience.
• Ensure hash browns are completely thawed and evenly mixed with beef to create a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps it set and makes cutting and serving much easier and neater.

Storing Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

Pairings for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

• Boost Hearty Beverage Pairing: Crack open a cold amber ale or hoppy IPA that complements the casserole's rich, meaty flavors and cuts through its creamy texture.
• Create Crisp Salad Companion: Whip up a tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a refreshing contrast against the heavy, cheesy casserole and balance the meal's richness.
• Craft Zesty Side Starter: Prepare quick pickled vegetables like cucumber or radish slices to add a bright, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites of the dense hashbrown dish.
• Select Fresh Wine Match: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that harmonizes with the beef's robust flavor and stands up to the casserole's hearty profile.

Switch-Ups for Hashbrown Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace hash browns with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a meatless option that keeps the dish protein-packed and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredient labels to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap regular cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use non-dairy milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests without sacrificing creamy flavor.

FAQs

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake when ready, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe is easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal. It provides enough fat for flavor without making the casserole too greasy. Avoid extra-lean beef as it can make the dish dry.

• How can I add more protein to this casserole?

Consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to boost the protein content. Mix these in during step 4 when combining the beef and hash browns.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, combining ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish. Savory layers promise a delightful meal that connects you with classic home cooking and delivers pure satisfaction in every warm, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

Potatoes and Dairy:

• 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Soup:

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions together until the meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Carefully drain excess grease from the beef mixture to maintain a lighter, less oily casserole texture.
4. Combine browned beef, onions, and thawed hash brown potatoes in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, milk, most of the cheddar cheese, and black pepper into the mixture, stirring until all components are thoroughly blended.
6. Optional: Fold in frozen vegetables and additional seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor complexity.
7. Transfer the prepared mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty layer that will develop during baking.
9. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate the casserole is fully heated.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check hash brown ingredients to make this recipe completely gluten-free for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg