Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining savory ground beef, tender hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that bakes up golden and bubbly every time.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown casserole, featuring a top layer of melted cheddar cheese that is bubbly and slightly crispy at the edges. Beneath the cheese, shredded potatoes are mixed with ground beef, creating a textured base with a combination of creamy and slightly browned bits. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh color contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a light-colored striped cloth visible on the side, and a whole onion in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 bag)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Break up the beef as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat or liquid.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, pepper, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until well blended.
  3. Step 3: Add the frozen hash browns, cooked ground beef and onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
  4. Step 4: Grease a 9×13-inch or large baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  5. Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. For a crispy, browned top, optionally switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese turns golden.

Tips & Variations

  • Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different twist.
  • For added veggies, mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
  • If you prefer a lower fat version, use leaner beef and reduced-fat sour cream.
  • Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire casserole covered with foil in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid broiling when reheating.

How to Serve

A baked casserole in a white rectangular dish shows three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of browned ground beef and light-colored grated potatoes, the middle layer consists of more shredded potatoes mixed with small bits of beef, and the top layer is covered with melted, bright orange cheddar cheese. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled over the cheese for a touch of color, and the edges of the dish have some browned, crispy bits of cheese and potatoes. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a striped blue and white cloth partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes and use them, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing to avoid a watery casserole.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to step 4, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next day, adding a few extra minutes if cooking from cold.

Print

Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

A comforting and delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, shredded hash browns, and a creamy blend of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, all topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 bag)

Dairy and Others

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 10.75 ounce condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and finely chopped yellow onion together. Break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat or liquid from the skillet.
  2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, ground pepper, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir in the frozen shredded hash browns along with the cooked ground beef and onions. Add 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mix everything evenly until fully combined.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch or similarly large baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to allow the casserole to set and the flavors to meld. For a crispy and browned cheese topping, optionally switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and edges start to bubble.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness.
  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice crispy top layer.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.

Keywords: Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole, Hash Brown Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Ground Beef Recipes

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