Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

The Best Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible hamburger hashbrown casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Hearty ground beef blends seamlessly with crispy potato shreds, creating a dish that speaks directly to hunger pangs.

Layered with melted cheese and savory seasonings, this casserole brings together classic ingredients in a mouthwatering combination.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet delectable recipe that fills plates and warms hearts.

Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, each forkful delivers a comforting embrace of home-style cooking.

Families will gather around the table, eager to devour this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Hashbrown Layers Meet Hamburger Casserole

  • Whip Up Comfort Food: A hearty one-dish meal that combines ground beef, crispy hashbrowns, and creamy cheese for ultimate satisfaction.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this casserole a stress-free dinner solution for busy families.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Kid-friendly and packed with familiar flavors that appeal to all ages, perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions like bacon, different cheeses, or vegetable mix-ins to suit personal tastes.

Key Ingredients for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A savory protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Hashbrowns: Shredded potatoes that create a hearty and crispy base for the dish.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy binding ingredient that adds moisture and depth to the casserole.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Cheese: Provides a melty, golden topping that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Milk: Helps to thin and blend the soup and other ingredients smoothly.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and aromatic foundation for the casserole's flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and preventing sticking during cooking.

Directions for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for a delicious comfort meal that’ll warm everyone’s heart.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

Grab a skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

Toss in the chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent.

Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, making sure to drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

In a big mixing bowl, combine the star ingredients:
  • Cooked beef
  • Hashbrowns
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish generously to prevent any sticky situations.

Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly for a perfect layer of deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

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

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven.

This helps the flavors settle and makes cutting easier.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with pure joy!

Tips for Crispier Hashbrown Casserole

  • Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Add minced garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the meat's richness and complexity.
  • Experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for varied taste profiles.
  • Use thawed hashbrowns and pat them dry to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy.
  • Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for added crunch.

Flavorful Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Options

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a creamy, lactose-free casserole.

Serving Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole

  • Family Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty casserole in large, warm ceramic dishes directly from the oven, creating a cozy family-style dining experience that invites everyone to dig in together.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top each serving with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add extra protein and fresh flavor that elevates the classic comfort dish.
  • Veggie Companion Sides: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed asparagus to balance the rich, creamy texture and add nutritional variety to the meal.
  • Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a delicious breakfast by topping with a sunny-side-up egg or mixing with scrambled eggs for a satisfying morning meal that repurposes the casserole.

Storage for Hashbrown Casserole Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent hardening.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly and can save you time in preparing the dish. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before mixing with other ingredients.

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

  • What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup if I don't have it?

Cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup are great alternatives that will provide similar creamy texture and flavor to the casserole.

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Hearty hamburger hashbrown casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying dish. Cheesy layers of crispy potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Potatoes:

  • 1 (30 ounces) bag frozen hashbrowns

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a greased baking dish for the hearty casserole.
  2. Sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent, then add ground beef and cook thoroughly, ensuring meat is evenly browned.
  3. Drain any excess fat from the meat to prevent a greasy texture.
  4. Combine the cooked beef with hashbrowns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Stir the ingredients until well incorporated, creating a creamy and cohesive mixture.
  6. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
  9. Slice and serve the warm, comforting casserole directly from the baking dish.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Swap regular hashbrowns with cauliflower hashbrowns for a low-carb alternative that maintains delicious texture.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetable nutrition and enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to customize the taste profile and keep the dish exciting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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