Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Introduction to Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect dish. This comfort food classic combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy hashbrowns, all topped with a delicious layer of melted cheese. It’s a one-dish meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Plus, it’s a guaranteed hit for picky eaters and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole has a bit of everything: the rich flavors of ground beef and onions, the creamy texture from condensed mushroom soup, and the satisfying crunch of hashbrowns, all melted together with gooey cheese. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd or just want leftovers that reheat beautifully, this dish delivers in both taste and convenience. It’s also a versatile recipe—easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef – Opt for lean beef to reduce excess grease.
• 1 cup diced yellow onions – Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup – The base for a creamy, savory sauce.
• 1/2 cup milk – Helps thin the soup to create a smooth consistency.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted – Infuses the hashbrowns with rich flavor and helps them crisp up.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To season the casserole.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper – Adds just the right touch of spice.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Boosts the onion flavor in the hashbrowns.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a hint of garlicky goodness.
• 20 oz bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed – The crispy topping of this casserole.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend – Melts beautifully to create a cheesy crust.

this RECIPE

How to Make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious hamburger hashbrown casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re done prepping the dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
   Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. As the beef cooks, crumble it with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly browned. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
3. Add Creamy Mushroom Sauce
   Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Mix thoroughly until the beef is coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
5. Season the Hashbrowns
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk the seasonings together, then add the thawed hashbrowns. Stir until the hashbrowns are fully coated with the butter mixture.
6. Assemble the Casserole
   Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the hashbrown mixture and stir well. Spoon the hashbrowns evenly over the ground beef mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake the Casserole
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the hashbrowns are crispy and golden on top.
8. Top with Cheese
   Once the hashbrowns have browned, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
9. Let It Rest
   After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice.
10. Serve and Enjoy
    Slice into generous portions and serve hot. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

• Thaw the hashbrowns before using them. Using frozen hashbrowns can add extra moisture, making your casserole soggy instead of crisp.
• Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Drain the ground beef well after cooking to avoid a greasy casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the ground beef: Cook the beef just until browned. Overcooking can dry it out and make it less flavorful.
• Not covering the casserole with foil: If you find that the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t done, cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: You can stir in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the ground beef mixture for added nutrition.
• Use different cheeses: Swap out mozzarella and cheddar for gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack to give your casserole a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a little kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with some fresh sides to balance the richness:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
• Serve with crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until fully reheated.

FAQ About Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
  Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Can I use a different type of soup?
  Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
  Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use sautéed mushrooms and other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. It’s an easy recipe that you can customize to your liking, making it a go-to comfort food recipe. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more comforting and easy-to-make recipes.

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