Quick and Simple Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Quick and Simple Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights 🍔🥔⏱️

1. Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, carving out time to prepare a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. That’s where this hamburger hashbrown casserole recipe shines! It’s the perfect solution for those busy nights when you need something quick, easy, and utterly satisfying. Combining the hearty goodness of ground beef with the comforting, familiar texture of hashbrowns, this easy hamburger casserole is destined to become a family favorite. And the best part? It requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you call it a hashbrown hamburger bake or simply a quick hashbrown casserole, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hamburger hashbrown casserole earns its place in your heart (and your recipe book) for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it’s undeniably easy to make. We’re talking a few simple steps and readily available ingredients – that’s it! It’s also a fantastic way to use ground beef in a creative way, transforming it into a complete and satisfying meal. The beautiful combination of savory beef, golden and ever-so-slightly crispy hashbrowns, and creamy, melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying symphony of textures and tastes that appeals to people of all ages. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses to perfectly suit your family’s individual preferences. On busy weeknights when the clock seems to be moving faster than ever, this quick hashbrown casserole is an absolute lifesaver. If you are looking for more dinner inspiration, check out our dinner recipes.

3. Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen hashbrown potatoes, thawed
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

4. Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is fully cooked through and the onion becomes softened and translucent. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease. This expertly seasoned ground beef serves as the backbone of flavor in our easy hamburger casserole, so make sure you don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrown potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to the bowl and stir to combine it all. This glorious mixture is what gives our hashbrown hamburger bake its incredible texture and undeniably satisfying flavor!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole. These simple layers prepare our magnificent hamburger hashbrown casserole for its transformation in the oven.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated completely through and the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Baking is the magic that brings all of the individual flavors together in this delectable quick hashbrown casserole.

6. Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole

• Thaw Hashbrowns Completely: Make absolutely certain that your hashbrowns are fully thawed before you begin. This is essential to prevent a watery casserole. Nobody wants that!
• Drain Excess Grease Diligently: Taking the time to thoroughly drain the grease from the cooked ground beef is a crucial step that will prevent your casserole from becoming overly oily.
• Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cheese choices! Try experimenting with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a delightful blend of cheddar and mozzarella to create a truly unique flavor profile.
• Sneak in Some Extra Vegetables: Add nutrients and flavor, and add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.

7. Serving Suggestions

This wonderful hamburger hashbrown casserole truly stands alone as a complete and satisfying meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of complimentary side dishes. Consider serving it with a crisp and refreshing fresh green salad, some simply steamed vegetables, or a side of warm and buttery garlic bread. For an even heartier and more indulgent meal, you can add a dollop of cool sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions on top just before serving. The inherent flexibility of this easy hamburger casserole makes it incredibly easy to customize and adapt to your own personal preferences and cravings. For another casserole recipe, try out this Cheesy Hash Brown and Hamburger Casserole!

8. Variations

• Spice It Up with a Spicy Version: For those who like a little kick, add a pinch of fiery red pepper flakes or a can of diced tomatoes with zesty green chilies to the beef mixture.
• Make it Healthier: Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat sour cream to significantly reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
• Go Vegetarian: Simply replace the ground beef with a delicious plant-based alternative or load up on even more vegetables to create a satisfying vegetarian version. You can find more recipes here.

9. Conclusion

This hamburger hashbrown casserole truly is a champion recipe for anyone searching for a quick, incredibly easy, and undeniably delicious meal. Absolutely perfect for those hectic weeknights, this quick hashbrown casserole is destined to become a beloved family favorite in record time. With its simple preparation methods and easily customizable nature, this hashbrown hamburger bake stands out as a versatile dish that effortlessly caters to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences. So go ahead, embrace the comforting flavors and unparalleled convenience of this classic easy hamburger casserole. You can also find more lunch ideas if you like this!

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