Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, delicious, and comforting dish that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is a perfect blend of savory ground beef, crispy hash browns, and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection. This casserole is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you need to feed a crowd. Stick around to discover the step-by-step guide, substitutions, variations, and plenty of tips to elevate this classic dish!

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What is Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole?

Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, comfort food dish that combines ground beef, hash browns, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. The hash browns provide a crispy and tender texture, while the ground beef adds a savory depth to the dish. Often made with simple ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese, this casserole is an easy, all-in-one meal that can be customized with additional vegetables or seasonings to fit your taste. It’s a family-friendly dish that's filling, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients List for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

To make this comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef – Use lean ground beef for a less greasy dish.
• 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns – Thawed.
• 1 small onion – Diced, to add flavor to the beef mixture.
• 2 garlic cloves – Minced, for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – You can substitute with other cream soups if desired.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang to the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For topping the casserole.
• ½ cup milk – To thin out the sauce and make it smoother.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of smoky flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn – For extra color and nutrition.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley – For extra herb flavor.
• ¼ cup melted butter – For drizzling over the top for an extra crispy finish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is versatile and easy to modify. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Cheese options: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer a different flavor.
• Vegetable add-ins: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ground beef for extra nutrition.
• Cream soup substitutions: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
• Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Low-carb option: Replace the hash browns with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version of this dish.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the casserole a spicy twist.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking once the casserole is assembled. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

3. Season the Beef

Once the ground beef is cooked, season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir to combine all the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This creamy mixture will add moisture and richness to the casserole.

5. Combine the Hash Browns and Beef

In a separate large bowl, add the thawed hash browns. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the hash browns and stir to coat evenly. Next, fold in the cooked ground beef mixture. Make sure everything is well combined and evenly distributed.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the hash brown and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, pressing it down slightly to make sure it's compact.

7. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you want an extra crispy finish, drizzle melted butter over the top.

8. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

9. Let it Rest

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

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How to Cook Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to prepare Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook ground beef with onions and garlic, then season.
3. Mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.
4. Combine hash browns with the creamy mixture and cooked beef.
5. Transfer to the baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Let it rest before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using frozen hash browns: Make sure your hash browns are thawed before mixing. Using frozen hash browns can result in a watery casserole because the potatoes will release moisture as they cook.
2. Not draining the beef: Always drain any excess fat from the ground beef after cooking to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Overcooking the casserole: Be careful not to over-bake, as this can cause the casserole to dry out. Once the cheese is golden and bubbly, it's ready.
4. Under-seasoning: Seasoning is key to a flavorful casserole. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings in the beef mixture before combining it with the hash browns.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is filling and flavorful, but it can be enhanced with some side dishes or thoughtful presentation:

How to Serve Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole:

• With a fresh salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Vegetable side: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach to add a healthy vegetable side.
• With bread: Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete comfort meal.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole:

• Herb garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a burst of color and added flavor.
• Family-style serving: Serve directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal, encouraging everyone to help themselves.
• Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, scoop the casserole into small ramekins for individual portions.

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Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled the day before and refrigerated. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold when going into the oven.
• Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Customize with extras: Feel free to mix in extra ingredients like bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or extra veggies for added flavor and texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and milk alternatives. Also, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version.

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: You can lighten the dish by using ground turkey instead of beef, reducing the amount of cheese, and swapping the hash browns for cauliflower florets.

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Conclusion

This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. It's easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a potluck. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal!

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