Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy hashbrowns, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese in one delicious dish. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce brings everything together for a meal that will have your family requesting seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: The star protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole. I prefer lean ground beef for less grease, but use whatever you have!
• Hashbrown Potatoes: These create the perfect base for the casserole. They absorb flavors while maintaining their texture, giving you that wonderful contrast between crispy and creamy.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides rich creaminess and depth of flavor without requiring a complicated sauce.
• Onion: Adds essential aromatic flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
• Colby Jack Cheese: This cheese melts perfectly and provides that irresistible gooey texture. It’s milder than cheddar but has more personality than mozzarella.
• Sour Cream: Brings a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Milk: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding creaminess.
• Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, and black pepper provide the perfect flavor foundation.
• Olive Oil: Just a bit for sautéing the beef and onions to perfection.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize this casserole:

• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or peas to incorporate more vegetables.
• Spice it Up: Mix in a can of diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
• Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs to transform this into a breakfast casserole perfect for weekend brunches.
• Different Cheese: Try pepper jack for spice, sharp cheddar for more flavor, or a combination of your favorites.
• Soup Swap: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure your hashbrown potatoes are completely thawed according to package directions.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the onions are soft and the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, and sour cream. Stir until everything is completely incorporated into a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the thawed hashbrown potatoes, cooked beef mixture, and 1 cup of shredded colby jack cheese to the creamy base. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese, covering the surface completely. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly browned around the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This important step helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Sides:

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Veggie Options:

Steamed broccoli or green beans make excellent nutritious sides that complement the flavors.

Bread Choices:

Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble everything but don’t add the final cheese topping until you’re ready to bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat the entire casserole, bake covered at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until hot throughout.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole brings together simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation because it’s reliable, satisfying, and loved by everyone at the table. The combination of crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, and melty cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try the next time you need a no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor!

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