The Coziest Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering hamburger hash brown casserole brings comfort directly to your dinner table.

Layers of crispy potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheesy goodness melts between each carefully assembled ingredient, promising warmth and flavor in every bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Families gather around, eager to sample the rich combination of classic ingredients.

Rich aromas will float through your kitchen, signaling something special is cooking.

What Makes Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole So Crispy

• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Pack this hearty casserole with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese that feeds multiple people effortlessly, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ingredients quickly in one skillet, then transfer to a baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and cooking time while delivering maximum flavor.
• Comfort Food Champion: Enjoy a classic combination of creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness that provides ultimate comfort and warmth with every single bite, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to personalize the recipe according to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the base protein for this comforting casserole.

• Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that add a crispy texture and substantial base to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a rich, golden topping and adds depth of flavor.
• Sour Cream, Half and Half, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy ingredients that bind the casserole together and provide a smooth, luxurious texture.

• Onions, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add savory depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder: Spices and herbs that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

How to Prepare Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready and waiting for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat

• Onions
• Garlic

Brown the meat completely and drain away any extra grease for a cleaner, tastier dish.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Half and half
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined and super smooth.

Step 4: Mix in the Potatoes

Fold in the thawed hash browns and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese into the meat mixture.

Make sure everything is evenly distributed for maximum yumminess.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish.

Top with the remaining cheese for a golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that’s absolutely irresistible.

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Pro Tips for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Sprinkle cheese in two stages for maximum flavor distribution and a perfect golden-brown melted top that creates irresistible texture.
• Adjust Italian seasoning and spices to your taste preference, but don't skimp on garlic and onion powder for depth of flavor.
• For an extra-crispy surface, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Ensure hash browns are completely thawed and patted dry to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy.

Variations on Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower, maintaining creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal that fills everyone's belly with warmth and comfort.
• Potluck Party Favorite
• Weeknight Wellness Solution: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy goodness and add some nutritional punch to your meal.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform your breakfast spread by adding this casserole alongside some fresh fruit or a light mimosa for a weekend treat that'll make everyone smile.

How to Store Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish or aluminum foil. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns directly from the freezer?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the most flavor and juiciness.

• Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to cut down on calories and fat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Cheesy hamburger hash brown casserole brings comfort and hearty flavors to dinner tables with its perfect blend of ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. Families will savor each satisfying bite of this classic midwestern comfort dish that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 30 ounces (850g) thawed frozen hash browns
• 3 cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 10.5 ounces (298g) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup half and half

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3/4 cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic until meat is thoroughly browned and crumbled.
3. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat, then return skillet to stove.
4. Blend cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half and half, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture.
5. Gently fold thawed hash browns into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese throughout the mixture, stirring carefully to incorporate.
7. Pour the entire contents into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
8. Top the casserole with remaining cheese, covering the surface completely.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become crispy and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the ingredients.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, lower-fat version of the casserole.
• For a gluten-free option, select a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredient labels.
• Enhance the nutritional profile by mixing in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli during the mixing stage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 447 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg