There’s something incredibly comforting about casseroles, isn’t there? They’re like a warm hug on a chilly evening! My hamburger hash brown casserole is a go-to for those busy nights when I need something hearty and satisfying. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy hash browns, and gooey cheddar cheese baked to perfection is just pure magic. Trust me, every bite is a delicious explosion of flavor that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s simple to whip up and makes for fantastic leftovers! You’ll find yourself craving this dish again and again, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (make sure to choose lean for less grease)
- 1 onion, diced (don’t worry about making it perfect, just chop it up!)
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (no need to thaw, they’ll cook beautifully in the oven)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier—feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this adds that creamy goodness we all love)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best, trust me on this)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so don’t skip this!)
How to Prepare Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that glorious bubbly, golden finish we all crave. So don’t skip this step!
Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Now, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in your pound of ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Oh, and don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the beef afterward—nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to bring all those delicious ingredients together! Start by adding the frozen hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Then, carefully fold in the beef and onion mixture. Make sure it’s all integrated—this is where the magic happens! You want every bite to be packed with flavor.
Baking the Casserole
Once your mixture is ready, pour it into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it in the oven. Let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown—just like a cozy blanket of deliciousness! Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. Trust me, the smell will have you counting down the minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Flavor-packed with savory beef and cheesy goodness
- Simple steps that anyone can follow—no culinary degree needed!
- A hearty meal that satisfies the whole family
- Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again tomorrow
Tips for Success
To make sure your hamburger hash brown casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to get a little creative with your seasonings. Adding garlic powder or a pinch of paprika can really elevate the flavor. If you’re a cheese lover like me, consider mixing different cheeses—like mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a bit of heat!
Also, if you want to save time, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into the oven cold. And remember, the best casseroles are all about the love you put into them, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for each serving of my hamburger hash brown casserole. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea!
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Enjoy this comforting dish knowing you’re getting a hearty meal packed with flavor and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my hamburger hash brown casserole? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One common question is about substitutions. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can easily swap it out for cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. For a vegetarian version, try using black beans or lentils instead of beef!
Storage is pretty straightforward. Just store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can pop it in the microwave for a quicker option. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might dry out!
And if you’re looking to mix things up, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or throw in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Cooking is all about making it your own, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover hamburger hash brown casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days—perfect for those busy days when you need a quick meal! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of options for reheating. For the best taste, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and bubbly again, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist!
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Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole: 5-Star Family Comfort Food
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory casserole combining hamburger and hash browns.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- In a large bowl, mix together hash browns, cheese, soup, and milk.
- Add the beef mixture to the bowl and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or paprika.
- Use different types of cheese if desired.
- Can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: hamburger hash brown casserole
