Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Savory Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Digging into comfort food, this hamburger hashbrown casserole promises a hearty meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Layers of crispy potatoes and savory ground beef create a perfect weekend dinner companion.

Weeknight meals can be challenging, but this dish simplifies your cooking adventure.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly to craft a satisfying experience in every bite.

Cheese melts into golden goodness, binding each component with delicious warmth.

Simple preparation means you can quickly assemble this crowd-pleasing meal without stress.

Families and hungry guests will cheer when this delectable casserole hits the table.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe You’ll Keep Making

  • Comfort Food Champion: A hearty one-dish meal that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will love.
  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Requires minimal prep time and uses convenient pantry staples, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal in under an hour.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kid-approved recipe with familiar flavors that appeals to both picky eaters and adults, delivering a delicious blend of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
  • Budget-Conscious Meal: Economical dish using affordable ingredients like ground beef, frozen hashbrowns, and canned soup, providing maximum flavor at minimal cost.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Details

Main Proteins and Starches:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty meat base that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.
  • Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato base that creates a crispy, golden texture.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds tangy flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Provides creamy richness and helps bind the casserole ingredients.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a smooth, savory sauce with deep umami notes.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth to the overall dish.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor enhancement.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the casserole's taste.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F to get things started.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or rub it down with butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Break down the meat as it cooks, creating delicious crumbly bits.

Chop up fresh ingredients to add depth:
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Mix these in while the beef browns.

Once cooked, drain away any excess grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Hashbrown Base

In a massive mixing bowl, combine your star ingredients:
  • Frozen hashbrowns
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the hashbrown mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

This creates a delicious foundation for your meal.

Step 5: Add the Meat Layer

Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the first hashbrown layer.

Make sure it’s spread out so every bite gets some meaty goodness.

Step 6: Top and Cheese

Cover the meat with the remaining hashbrown mixture.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a golden, crispy crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Serve up generous portions and watch everyone dig in with pure joy.

Pro Tips For Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Success

  • Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.
  • Incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach into the hashbrown mixture to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
  • Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Substitute hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the dish.

Extra Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Ensure even heating to avoid cold spots.

Perfect Pairings for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Boost Flavor Combinations: Pair this hearty casserole with crisp green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy dish.
  • Refresh with Beverages: Serve with cold light beer or refreshing amber ale that complements the savory ground beef and provides a smooth counterpoint to the creamy hashbrowns.
  • Elevate Side Selections: Add roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon zest to introduce bright, fresh notes that balance the heavy, comforting casserole texture.
  • Complement with Condiments: Offer zesty ranch dressing or spicy sriracha sauce on the side to let guests customize their dining experience and add extra flavor dimension.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Spins

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free hashbrowns to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or diced zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, keeping the cheesy hashbrown base while creating a meat-free meal.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version of the classic casserole.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love this casserole because it combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and potatoes in a fun, comforting dish that’s easy to eat.

  • Can I use frozen hashbrowns?

Absolutely! Frozen hashbrowns work perfectly and save time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduced-fat sour cream and cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

  • What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is traditional and provides great flavor, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for variety and extra taste.

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger hashbrown casserole, blending savory ground beef with crispy potato layers. Cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, you’ll love how quickly this crowd-pleasing dish comes together for a memorable meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 bag (20 ounces / 567 grams) frozen hashbrowns
  • 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 milliliters) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal environment for the casserole to develop rich, melded flavors.
  2. In a heavy skillet, transform the ground beef into a savory foundation by sautéing it with finely diced onions and minced garlic, ensuring thorough cooking and eliminating excess grease.
  3. Craft a creamy base by combining the hashbrowns with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a delicate balance of seasoning, creating a luxurious texture.
  4. Prepare a greased baking vessel and distribute an initial layer of the hashbrown mixture, establishing a robust foundation for the dish.
  5. Carefully arrange the seasoned ground beef as a hearty middle layer, ensuring even coverage across the hashbrown base.
  6. Complete the casserole by applying the remaining hashbrown mixture, creating a smooth, uniform surface.
  7. Generously crown the dish with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a golden, tantalizing crust during baking.
  8. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 45-50 minutes until the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue and the edges bubble with anticipation.
  9. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole a brief resting period, allowing the ingredients to settle and intensify their combined flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Customize protein options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
  • Enhance flavor by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef while cooking for extra nutrition and taste complexity.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and carefully measuring salt to control overall dish saltiness.
  • Create a crispy top layer by broiling the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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