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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Carefully drain excess grease from the beef mixture to maintain a lighter, less oily casserole texture.
- Combine browned beef, onions, and thawed hash brown potatoes in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, milk, most of the cheddar cheese, and black pepper into the mixture, stirring until all components are thoroughly blended.
- Optional: Fold in frozen vegetables and additional seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor complexity.
- Transfer the prepared mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty layer that will develop during baking.
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate the casserole is fully heated.
- 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