Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cozy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouthwatering hamburger hashbrown casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Layers of crispy potatoes blend seamlessly with savory ground beef in a hearty dish.

Creamy cheese melts between each bite, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll instantly love.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet incredibly delicious meal.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a go-to for busy households.

Packed with protein and pure deliciousness, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible comfort classic that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: Comfort Food Favorite

  • Whip Up Comfort Food: Indulge in a hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different vegetables, or spices to match your taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this one-dish wonder pleases everyone from kids to adults with its delicious, familiar flavors.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Hashbrowns: Shredded potatoes that create a hearty and comforting base for the dish.
  • Sour Cream: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and tanginess to the casserole.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts perfectly to create a gooey and delicious topping and filling.
  • Milk: Helps to blend the ingredients and create a smooth, creamy texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients work together to build a deep and complex flavor profile for the casserole.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Used to cook the ground beef and onions, adding a subtle flavor to the base of the dish.

How to Make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

How to Make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook ground beef until it turns a rich, golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Soften the Onions

Toss chopped onions into the same skillet and cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Thawed hashbrowns
  • Sour cream
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything until it’s well blended and smooth.

Step 5: Merge the Flavors

Fold in the cooked beef and onion mixture, then sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend of ingredients.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

Scatter the remaining shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Use a colander or paper towels to remove maximum grease for a lighter, less oily casserole texture.
  • Experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to customize flavor profiles and add personal flair.
  • Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color.
  • Enhance depth by adding smoked paprika, dried herbs like thyme, or a dash of worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
  • Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for even richer taste.

Variations on Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Turkey Power Boost: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat protein option that keeps the casserole hearty and flavorful.
  • Vegetarian Comfort: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers for nutritional depth.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, replace some cheese with pepper jack, and add cumin for a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Ideas for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Hearty Family Feast: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add some fresh nutrients.
  • Comfort Plate Companion: Pair with tangy pickles or coleslaw to cut through the dish's richness and provide a zesty contrast.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Complement with a side of scrambled eggs or toast for a complete morning meal that'll satisfy hungry crowds.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add a dollop of sour cream or chopped fresh chives on top for extra flavor and a restaurant-style presentation.

Storage Tips for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, but thaw it completely and drain excess moisture before cooking to prevent a watery casserole.

  • What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for similar creamy texture.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your hashbrowns are gluten-free to adapt the recipe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole blends comfort and flavor in one satisfying dish. Midwestern families enjoy this simple, cheesy meal that provides warmth and nostalgia for home cooks who appreciate straightforward, delicious ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Potatoes and Cheese:

  • 1 bag (30 ounces / 850 grams) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
  2. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, cooking thoroughly and eliminating excess grease.
  3. Introduce chopped onions to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Combine thawed hashbrowns with sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a creamy base.
  5. Incorporate the seasoned beef and caramelized onions into the hashbrown mixture, blending flavors uniformly.
  6. Fold in half of the shredded cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the casserole mixture.
  7. Transfer the entire preparation into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring smooth spreading.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
  9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese turns golden brown.
  10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

  • Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein profile.
  • Enhance vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more depth.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to transform the casserole’s flavor complexity.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking ingredient labels carefully for hidden gluten sources.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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