Description
Hearty Big Montana Casserole brings mountain-sized comfort straight from Western kitchens, packed with robust ingredients and bold flavors. Cheese-laden layers and savory meats promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Starch:
- 4 cups hash browns or diced potatoes, thawed if frozen
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a greased baking dish for the casserole assembly.
- Sauté ground beef with aromatic onions and minced garlic until meat turns rich brown, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Create a creamy mixture by blending the seasoned beef with velvety cream of mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and melted shredded cheese.
- Craft the casserole foundation by arranging a uniform layer of crisp frozen hash browns across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Generously spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly over the potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 45-50 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest briefly before serving hot, allowing flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Double-check ground beef is fully cooked and no pink remains to ensure food safety.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter casserole version.
- Consider swapping hash browns with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that still provides a satisfying texture.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for extra flavor and a pop of color before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 477 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 579 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg