Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal to feed your family? This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect solution! It's a flavorful, cheesy, and filling dish that’s ideal for any weeknight dinner or potluck. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks will have no trouble making this crowd-pleaser. Read on for the full recipe, substitutions, tips, and serving ideas, and you'll be ready to whip up a perfect dish in no time!

this Recipe

What is Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole?

Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is a savory, layered dish that combines ground beef (hamburger), crispy hash browns, melted cheese, and a rich creamy sauce. It’s a classic comfort food that is hearty and satisfying. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a hit with all ages, and it’s especially convenient because most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry or freezer.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

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

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen hash browns (shredded or cubed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or bacon bits

These simple ingredients come together to create a warm, cheesy casserole with crispy edges and a flavorful hamburger filling. Feel free to make some variations if you want to get creative!

Substitutions and Variations

There’s plenty of room for customization in this casserole recipe. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences:

• Ground Meat: If you don’t eat beef, substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
• Hash Browns: You can replace frozen hash browns with freshly shredded potatoes or diced potatoes if you prefer a more rustic texture.
• Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup: If you’re avoiding canned soups or prefer something homemade, you can make your own cream sauce by mixing heavy cream with a roux (butter and flour) and mushrooms or chicken stock for flavor.
• Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Vegetables: Add in extras like diced bell peppers, carrots, peas, or mushrooms to make the dish more nutritious.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream, and replace the condensed soups with non-dairy versions to create a dairy-free version of the casserole.

These substitutions will still yield a delicious and filling casserole while accommodating different tastes or dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup), milk, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Mix the hash browns: In a separate large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns with the creamy mixture. Stir until the hash browns are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Spread the cooked hamburger mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish. Top with the hash brown and cream mixture, spreading it out to cover the beef. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. If you prefer extra crispy hash browns on top, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.
7. Let it rest: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the layers set.

Now you have a perfectly baked Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole that’s ready to be enjoyed!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this is a simple recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided to ensure the casserole turns out perfectly:

• Overcrowding the pan: If you use too much filling or hash browns, the casserole won’t cook evenly. Make sure to use a large enough baking dish (9x13 works best).
• Not draining the beef: Always drain the excess grease after cooking the beef, or your casserole may end up oily and heavy.
• Under-seasoning: Don't forget to season the beef mixture with enough salt, pepper, and spices. The creaminess of the dish needs enough seasoning to balance out the flavors.
• Using thawed hash browns: While fresh potatoes or thawed hash browns are an option, frozen hash browns work better because they maintain their shape and texture during baking.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have a casserole that comes out perfectly every time!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters just as much as taste, especially when serving a hearty dish like Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole. Here are some serving tips to elevate your dish:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to contrast the rich, cheesy dish.
• Add crispy toppings: For extra texture, top the casserole with crushed potato chips, crispy fried onions, or bacon bits just before serving.
• Serve in individual portions: If you’re hosting a dinner or potluck, you can bake the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch.
• Serve family-style: Set the casserole in the center of the table for a family-style meal, and let everyone serve themselves. Add a large salad and crusty bread to complete the spread.

No matter how you serve it, this casserole will look and taste irresistible!

How to Serve Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

This casserole is hearty and rich, so it pairs best with lighter sides. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve it:

• With a side salad: A fresh garden salad or a spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the casserole.
• With steamed veggies: Serve alongside lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a nutritious balance.
• With crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast makes a great side for scooping up every cheesy bite.
• As leftovers: This casserole is even better the next day! Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave and enjoy a quick meal.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

If you’re serving this casserole at a gathering, consider these presentation ideas:

• Casserole Dish Upgrade: Serve it straight from the oven in a beautiful ceramic or cast-iron casserole dish.
• Layer the toppings: After baking, you can add a drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkling of green onions for a professional finish.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top for an added touch of color and flavor.

These small touches can make a big difference when presenting your dish.

Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use frozen hash browns: Frozen hash browns keep their texture better than fresh or thawed potatoes.
• Cheese options: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses for different flavors.
• Browning the top: For a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last few minutes of baking.
• Prepare ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake it when you’re ready.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Make it ahead, freeze it in an airtight container, and reheat for a quick and delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the beef mixture for added nutrition.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but make sure to shred them and remove excess moisture before mixing them in.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines the best of comfort food flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as leftovers the next day, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. With its endless variations and simple ingredients, you can easily customize it to your liking. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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