If you're craving a comforting, hearty dish that everyone in the family will love, this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect recipe. Combining savory ground beef, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious meal, get tips for the perfect execution, and explore variations to suit your taste.
What is a Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole?
A Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a rich, layered dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, crispy hash browns, and plenty of cheese. The result is a flavorful, comfort-food classic that's easy to prepare and can be customized with various ingredients based on your preferences. The casserole’s main appeal is its combination of textures – from the crisp hash browns to the gooey cheese – which makes every bite satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
To make this delicious Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground beef: Provides the main protein and savory flavor.
- ½ cup onion (diced): Adds a mild, sweet flavor to the beef.
- 1 30 oz package frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed): The star ingredient that adds texture and crunch.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy base for the casserole.
- ½ cup milk: Helps to thin the creaminess while adding richness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning.
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and spice.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: For a hint of freshness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Gives the dish its cheesy goodness.
These simple yet flavorful ingredients are readily available and affordable, making this casserole a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or even special family gatherings.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a casserole is its versatility. If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand or want to switch things up, there are several easy substitutions and variations that work well:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option. The casserole will still be hearty but slightly less fatty.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat altogether and add in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you're not a fan of cream of chicken soup, try cream of mushroom or even cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese works beautifully in this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn for added color and nutrients. This can also help stretch the casserole further.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow this simple guide to make your Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole:

- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix the creamy base: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the hash browns: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy mixture. Stir everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Top with the potato mixture: Spoon the hash brown mixture over the beef layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Cook the Beef: Starting with browning the ground beef and onions not only ensures the meat is fully cooked but also builds a flavor base for the casserole. Make sure to drain off any excess grease to avoid a soggy bottom.
- Mix the Creamy Components: Whisking together the soup, milk, sour cream, and seasonings creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that binds the hash browns and meat together.
- Layer and Bake: Be careful to evenly distribute the layers of meat, hash browns, and cheese. This ensures you get the right amount of each in every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not thawing the hash browns: Using frozen hash browns will add excess moisture to the casserole, making it watery. Always thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the dish.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it dry and crumbly. Brown it just until no pink remains, and then remove it from the heat.
- Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning the meat and potato mixture adequately is crucial to ensure every layer has flavor. Don’t forget the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Not letting the casserole rest: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the layers to firm up.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole can take it from a simple family meal to an impressive dish for guests. Here are some ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives on top can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
- Add Sour Cream and Salsa: For a Tex-Mex twist, serve with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa on top.
How to Serve Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can plate it up with a spatula, serving individual squares of the dish. For a heartier meal, pair it with some simple sides like steamed veggies, garlic bread, or coleslaw.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal vibe.
- Individual Servings: For a more polished presentation, cut the casserole into clean squares and serve on individual plates, garnished with a sprig of parsley.
- Casserole Cups: For parties or special occasions, consider baking the mixture in individual ramekins for a personalized, elegant touch.
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Tips
- Cheese Crust: For an extra-crispy cheese crust, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole? A: Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking or after. If freezing before, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If freezing leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: What can I serve with Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole? A: This dish pairs well with simple sides like green beans, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also make great accompaniments.
Q: How long will leftovers last? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole recipe is a go-to for comfort food that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser with layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and cheesy goodness. The versatility of the recipe allows for countless variations, so you can tweak it to suit your family’s taste buds. Whether you’re prepping it for a weeknight meal or making it ahead for a busy day, this dish is sure to deliver satisfaction every time.
PrintHamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, hash brown potatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese. A flavorful dinner option for busy nights, it's quick to prepare with common ingredients like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and spices. The crispy cheddar cheese topping makes it a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onions until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, and 1 ½ cups of cheese.
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- Make-ahead friendly; assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of casserole
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
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