Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Are you on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy hashbrowns, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese all in one delicious dish? Look no further than this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole! This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a hearty dish that the whole family will love. Packed with flavor, simple ingredients, and easy to customize, this casserole is bound to become a household favorite. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to make this comforting classic and helpful tips to elevate your dish to the next level.

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What is Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole?

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines ground beef, hashbrowns, creamy sauce, and cheese into one delicious meal. The ground beef is cooked with onions and seasonings, then layered with frozen hashbrowns and a creamy soup-based mixture. After baking, the result is a golden, bubbly casserole with a crispy top and tender, flavorful filling. It's easy to prepare and customize with additional ingredients like vegetables or spices, making it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste.

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Ingredients List for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef – You can opt for lean beef or use a blend with pork for extra flavor.
• 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns – Let them thaw slightly for easier mixing.
• 1 medium onion – Finely chopped.
• 2 garlic cloves – Minced for an extra savory kick.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Creates a creamy, rich texture.
• 1 cup sour cream – For creaminess and tang.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Use sharp cheddar for a rich flavor.
• ½ cup milk – Helps thin the mixture for a smoother texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the onions and garlic.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – For extra depth of flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn – Add veggies for more nutrition.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – For a deeper, savory flavor.
• ¼ cup butter (melted) – For drizzling over the top of the casserole to make the hashbrowns crispier.
• Fresh parsley (chopped) – For garnish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is versatile, and there are many ways to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: You can incorporate veggies like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach to boost the nutrition.
• Use different soups: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make your own homemade sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soup.
• Meat options: For a lighter version, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For extra flavor, try ground sausage.
• Low-carb version: Use diced cauliflower or a low-carb hashbrown alternative in place of the traditional potatoes.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of making this satisfying Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

3. Season the Beef

Once the beef is fully cooked, season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Stir to combine, then set aside the skillet.

4. Mix the Creamy Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth. If you're using Worcestershire sauce or extra vegetables like peas or corn, add them to this mixture now.

5. Combine the Hashbrowns and Beef

Add the thawed hashbrowns to the soup mixture and stir to coat them evenly. Then, fold in the cooked ground beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and hashbrown mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, pressing it down slightly with a spatula to ensure everything is well-packed.

7. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, drizzle with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.

8. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

9. Let it Rest

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

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How to Cook Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a summary of the steps to prepare this casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch dish.
2. Cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned, then season.
3. Mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.
4. Stir in hashbrowns and beef mixture.
5. Spread the mixture in the baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole comes out perfectly every time, keep these common mistakes in mind:

1. Using frozen hashbrowns: If your hashbrowns are still fully frozen, they can release excess water into the casserole, making it watery. Be sure to thaw them slightly before mixing them into the casserole.
2. Skipping the draining step: After cooking the ground beef, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Overcooking: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time. Overcooking can dry out the dish and burn the cheese.
4. Not seasoning enough: Be generous with the seasoning for the ground beef to ensure the dish is flavorful. Taste as you go to adjust the salt, pepper, and spices.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it can also be paired with some sides to make it even more special.

How to Serve Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole:

• With a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich casserole.
• Steamed vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
• With bread: Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole:

• Fresh herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives for a pop of color.
• Individual servings: Scoop the casserole into small bowls or ramekins for individual portions, giving a more elegant presentation for guests.
• Family-style serving: Serve directly from the baking dish at the table, encouraging a casual, comforting meal where everyone digs in.

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to help you perfect your Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it but don’t bake, then cover it tightly and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Crispier hashbrowns: For extra-crispy hashbrowns on top, stir the hashbrowns with melted butter before adding them to the dish or finish the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
A: Yes! You can shred fresh potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze the unbaked casserole

for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

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 cream soup.

Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

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Conclusion

The Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy hashbrowns, and a cheesy topping, this dish is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy this warm, delicious comfort dish tonight!

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