Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger hash brown casserole, blending savory ground beef with crispy potato layers. Melted cheese and creamy sauce unite classic ingredients, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Potatoes and Cheese:
- 1 bag (30 ounces/850 grams) frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
- In a large skillet, caramelize onions with olive oil until translucent, then introduce ground beef and cook thoroughly, developing rich, deep flavors through seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Create the casserole base by combining the savory beef mixture with crisp frozen hash browns, creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and milk, integrating half of the cheddar cheese for additional richness.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients into a well-greased casserole dish, distributing evenly to ensure consistent texture throughout.
- Enhance the casserole’s texture by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a melted, golden blanket.
- Optional: Craft a crunchy topping by mixing crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately scatter over the cheese layer for added crispness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that cuts down on saturated fat.
- Enhance dairy-free requirements by using coconut milk, vegan cheese alternatives, and dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute.
- Create a crispy top layer by mixing panko breadcrumbs with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Prep casserole components ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying weeknight meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 449 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 562 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg