Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Loaded with savory ground beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 bag)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break up the beef as it cooks, and once fully browned, drain any excess fat or liquid.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, pepper, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix in the frozen hash browns, cooked beef and onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly blended.
- Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes. For a crispy, browned top, optionally switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped green chilies or diced bell peppers with the onions.
- Using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can add extra creaminess.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different taste.
- Make it a freezer-friendly meal by assembling it beforehand and freezing before baking.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may cause uneven heating and soggy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Fresh potatoes can be used if shredded finely, but they should be blanched or partially cooked first to ensure the casserole bakes evenly and the potatoes become tender.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, diced vegetables, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and flavorful.
PrintCheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole that combines savory ground beef, tender hash browns, creamy soup, and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is easy to prepare and full of rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 bag)
Miscellaneous
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped yellow onion together. Break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and any liquid from the skillet to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, ground pepper, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix well to create a creamy base. Then add the frozen shredded hash browns and the cooked ground beef and onions. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch or similarly sized large baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the beef and hash brown mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes until heated through and bubbly. For a crispier, browned top, optionally switch the oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the casserole.
- If you prefer, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Make sure to drain any fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend baking time slightly if cooking from cold.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor; mild cheddar can be used for a subtler taste.
Keywords: Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole, ground beef casserole, hash brown casserole, cheesy casserole, baked hash browns, family dinner recipe
