Cheesy Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting a delicious hamburger hash brown casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of crispy potatoes blend perfectly with seasoned ground beef.

Hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies.

Cheese melts into golden pools, creating irresistible texture and flavor.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners become something special when you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish.

Dive into a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Is So Delicious

  • Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This hearty casserole transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that saves precious cooking time and energy.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors kids and adults love, this dish brings everyone together around the table with its comforting cheesy goodness.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Just a few quick steps of browning meat, mixing ingredients, and baking deliver a delicious one-dish wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and maximizes taste.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable staples like ground beef, hash browns, and pantry basics creates a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides substantial protein for the casserole.
Potato Base:
  • Frozen Hash Browns: Convenient potato shreds that create a crispy and filling foundation for the dish.
Creamy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These ingredients help bind the casserole together and add rich, creamy texture.
Cheese and Topping:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, golden topping that brings delicious flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
Aromatics:
  • Onion: Provides a classic savory depth and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and waiting for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a skillet and brown the ground beef with chopped onions.

Let the excess fat drain away to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine your ingredients:
  • Crispy hash browns
  • Creamy sour cream
  • Hearty cream soup
  • Shredded cheese
  • Cooked beef mixture

Stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease up your baking dish and spread the mixture evenly, making sure every inch is covered with deliciousness.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crown for your casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color and bubbly edges.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Get ready to dig in!

Tips for a Hearty Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole.
  • Swap regular hash browns with cauliflower hash browns for a low-carb alternative.
  • Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the beef mixture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a unique taste profile.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Variations for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

  • Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Champion: Swap hash browns with cauliflower rice or diced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's hearty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the beef mixture for a zesty, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

  • Comfort Corner Plating: Serve this hearty casserole in individual ramekins for a cozy, personalized dinner experience that feels extra special.
  • Potluck Party Style: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings in a large decorative baking dish, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair the casserole with a light side salad and crispy bacon strips to transform it into a satisfying weekend brunch centerpiece that will wow family and friends.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat portions the next day and top with a fried egg for a quick and delicious breakfast that breathes new life into yesterday's meal.

Storing Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring a complete seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. For oven reheating, place in a 350F (175C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them well before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

  • What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives. They provide similar texture and protein while offering a lighter option for the casserole.

  • How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges should look crispy and the center should be hot throughout.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger hash brown casserole combines classic comfort ingredients for a satisfying midwestern meal. Crispy potato layers and seasoned ground beef create a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll want to serve again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 bag (30 ounces / 850 grams) frozen hash browns
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
  2. In a sizzling skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
  3. Create a rich, creamy mixture by blending hash browns with sour cream, condensed soup, and a generous portion of shredded cheese, then fold in the seasoned beef until perfectly integrated.
  4. Transfer the robust filling into a well-greased baking dish, ensuring an even, smooth distribution across the surface.
  5. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a tantalizing golden cheese layer.
  6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become delightfully bubbly.
  7. After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Swap regular sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost vegetable content and enhance nutritional value of the dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star