Irresistible Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food finds its ultimate expression in this hearty hamburger hash brown casserole that promises pure culinary delight.

Layers of crispy potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a dish that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Melted cheese adds a golden crown to this satisfying meal that screams home-style cooking.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.

Perfectly balanced and packed with robust flavors, you’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives are excellent substitutes that work well in this recipe. They’ll provide similar texture and flavor.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium soup, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Cooking Breakdown

• Craft a Hearty Family Feast: Dive into a comforting casserole that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, satisfying layers of ground beef and crispy hash browns.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this one-dish wonder with minimal prep work, using basic ingredients that come together quickly for a stress-free meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping in different cheeses, adding extra spices, or mixing in vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Budget-Friendly Deliciousness: Create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget, using affordable ingredients to feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Frozen Hash Browns: The base of the dish that provides a crispy and comforting potato foundation.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty ingredient that creates a delicious golden topping and adds creamy texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A smooth sauce that helps bind the ingredients and adds depth of flavor.
• Sour Cream: A tangy ingredient that contributes moisture and richness to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices and aromatics that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

Instructions for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until the beef is completely browned.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Hash Brown Mixture

• Frozen hash browns
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until well blended and looking deliciously creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the hash brown mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the browned beef over this layer.

Top with the remaining hash brown mixture, creating a beautiful, hearty landscape of flavors.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Crown

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty surface that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Helpful Tips for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option.
• Enhance flavor by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
• Drain hash browns thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure crispy texture.
• Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup to cut calories without sacrificing taste.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.

Flavor Variations on Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or black beans for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, replace paprika with chili powder, and top with jalapeños for a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Slice this hearty casserole into perfect squares for easy serving during movie marathons or sports watching parties.
• Brunch Delight: Pair each serving with a crisp side salad and a dollop of fresh salsa to create a satisfying weekend morning meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
• Potluck Champion: Transport this dish in a covered carrier for family gatherings, ensuring it stays warm and becomes the star of the community buffet table.
• Comfort Food Remix: Top individual portions with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce to personalize each plate and add extra flavor dimensions.

Storing Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Safely

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or lid.
• Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months for longer storage.

Crispy Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger hash brown casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables. Cheesy layers of ground beef and crispy potatoes create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Potato Base:

• 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen hash browns

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sauté ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain away excess grease thoroughly.
3. Combine shredded hash browns with cream soup, sour cream, half the cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, blending ingredients until evenly distributed.
4. Create the first layer of the casserole by spreading half the hash brown mixture across the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring an even surface.
5. Distribute the browned beef uniformly over the initial hash brown layer, creating a substantial meat foundation.
6. Cover the beef layer with the remaining hash brown mixture, smoothing the top to create a complete seal.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the entire casserole surface, allowing for complete coverage.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate thorough heating.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor depth and richness.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost vegetable content and introduce more nutritional variety to the dish.
• Cover with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from over-browning and ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg