Simple Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: A Comforting and Quick Delight 🥔🍔🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This hamburger hash brown casserole is your answer. This recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef with the crispy texture of hash browns, all enveloped in a blanket of melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this beef hash brown bake is both satisfying and simple to make. This versatile dish can easily fit into your dinner or lunch plans. Whether you call it a cheesy hamburger casserole or simply an easy hash brown beef dish, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s an easy way to explore new recipes and get a delicious meal on the table fast! Get ready to enjoy a comforting casserole that’s ready in no time!

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this hamburger hash brown casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection. Beyond its amazing taste, it offers convenience and flexibility that busy home cooks will truly appreciate.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple steps make this casserole a breeze to prepare. Truly, it’s one of the easiest casseroles you’ll ever make.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The cheesy, savory flavors are universally appealing. For another family-friendly option, check out these Slow-Cooked Cheesy Pizza Burgers.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can swap out ingredients and add your own twist to create a unique dish every time.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses readily available and affordable ingredients. Especially with ground beef often being on sale, this casserole is a great way to stretch your grocery budget.
- Make-Ahead Option: Can be assembled in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules. Assemble it the night before, and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, let’s gather the ingredients. You probably have many of these on hand.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: green onions, chopped, for garnish
4. Equipment
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create your delicious hamburger hash brown casserole.
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. This step is crucial for building the flavorful base of the casserole. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for seafood, you might enjoy this Rich and Hearty Italian Seafood Stew.

2. Combine Hash Browns with Cheese and Soup
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Ensuring your hash browns are properly thawed is key to a non-soggy casserole.

3. Layer the Casserole
Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the cooked ground beef and onion mixture. Ensure the beef is spread evenly over the hash browns. This layering technique ensures that every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

4. Bake the Casserole
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. For another great recipe, try these Savory Broccoli and Feta Bites while you wait!

6. Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Here are some extra tips and tricks to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
- Thaw Hash Browns: Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed to prevent a watery casserole. This is perhaps the most important tip!
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the beef until just cooked through to keep it tender. Overcooked beef can become tough and dry.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby Jack or pepper jack, for a flavor twist. A blend of cheeses can add even more complexity.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor. Get creative with your veggies!
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick. A dash of hot sauce can also work wonders.
7. Serving Suggestions
This hamburger hash brown casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal. Consider serving it with something like this Classic Italian Panzanella Salad. You can find more amazing options at What’s Mom Cookin’.
- Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Pair with steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy side dish.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top for extra flavor.
- Enjoy as a hearty brunch dish. It’s also great as leftovers!
8. Storage Instructions
Proper storage will ensure your leftovers remain fresh and delicious.
Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesy hamburger casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This Creamy Shrimp Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe could also be a perfect reheat meal.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
9. Conclusion
This simple hamburger hash brown casserole recipe is a fantastic, stress-free option for any meal. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a winner for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a quick and satisfying dish. Perhaps you’d also enjoy these Bite-Sized Blooming Onions! The combination of beef, hash browns, and cheese creates a hearty and comforting meal that everyone will love. Don’t wait any longer– try also Authentic Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Chicken ! Enjoy this easy hash brown beef dish and make it your own with your favorite additions and variations!
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Simple Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Ready in No Time
This Simple Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole combines the hearty flavors of ground beef and crispy hash browns, enveloped in melted cheese. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights and potlucks.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Drain excess grease and stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spread the hash brown mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the ground beef mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and drizzle with melted butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
Notes
- Thaw hash browns fully to avoid a watery casserole.
- Don’t overcook the beef to keep it tender.
- Experiment with different cheese types for unique flavors.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition.
- For heat, mix in red pepper flakes with the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg