Looking for a savory, easy-to-make dish that satisfies every craving? This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of tender ground beef, crispy hash browns, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s customizable to your tastes and easy to prepare ahead of time. So, read on to discover how to make this comforting dish and serve up a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What is a Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole?
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines juicy ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crunchy hash browns, and rich cheddar cheese. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that's hearty enough to feed the whole family. The creamy mushroom soup and sour cream add richness to the dish, while the Italian seasoning and onion powder bring in a subtle depth of flavor. This recipe is versatile, making it an ideal choice whether you're hosting a casual family dinner or prepping meals ahead for the week.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all of your ingredients to ensure everything is prepped and ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: Opt for a leaner cut to avoid excess grease in your casserole.
- ¾ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild, sweet flavor that balances out the savory components.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: For an added kick of flavor.
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (undiluted): This acts as the creamy base for your casserole.
- ⅔ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the mixture.
- ⅔ cup half and half: This adds a touch of creaminess without making the casserole too heavy.
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt: For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: For a little heat.
- 30 ounces thawed frozen hash browns (850 grams): The star of the show, providing a crispy texture.
- 3 cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese (divided in half): Cheddar brings a gooey, melty finish to the casserole. You’ll use half in the mix and half on top.
Ingredient List for Topping and Variations
While the core ingredients make a delicious casserole on their own, you can also add or modify ingredients to suit your personal taste:
- Chopped green onions: For a pop of color and additional flavor when serving.
- Crumbled bacon: For extra indulgence, top the casserole with crispy bacon pieces before baking.
- Sliced jalapeños: To give your casserole a spicy twist.
- Extra vegetables (like bell peppers or mushrooms): Add more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to customize your Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole, here are some simple substitutions and variations to try:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out ground beef for a lighter option. Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly in this recipe without compromising on flavor.
- Cream of chicken or celery soup: Don’t have cream of mushroom? No problem! You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a similar creamy texture and taste.
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: For a healthier twist, replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt. It adds the same creaminess while increasing the protein content.
- Vegan or dairy-free versions: Use plant-based ground meat, dairy-free sour cream, and a vegan cheddar alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Spicy seasoning: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up for those who love a bit of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get into how to make this delicious Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole! This is a straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can master.

- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish preparing the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half and half, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
- Mix the hash browns: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef evenly on the bottom. Pour the hash brown mixture over the beef and spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Once baked, allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
How to Cook Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
To break it down even further:
- Preheat oven and prep ingredients.
- Brown the beef in a skillet and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Mix wet ingredients (soup, sour cream, half and half) with seasonings in a bowl.
- Combine hash browns and half the cheese with the wet ingredients.
- Layer beef and hash browns in a casserole dish.
- Top with cheese and bake until golden.
- Let rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the ground beef: Leaving excess grease in the beef can make your casserole oily. Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly after browning.
- Using frozen hash browns: Always thaw the hash browns before mixing them into the casserole. Frozen hash browns will release too much water during cooking, making your casserole soggy.
- Overcooking the cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. Overcooking can make the cheese topping too hard instead of melty and gooey.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole can take it from simple comfort food to a stunning dish.
- Serve hot: This casserole is best served piping hot, with the cheese still melty and the hash browns crispy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Side dishes: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add some balance to the meal.
- Serve in portions: Use a spatula to cut the casserole into even portions for easy serving.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
- Layered presentation: Serve slices of the casserole to showcase the distinct layers of beef, hash browns, and cheese.
- Individual ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, divide the casserole mixture into individual ramekins before baking.
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble and freeze before baking, or bake and freeze the leftovers. Just reheat in the oven when you're ready to eat.
- Cheese options: While mild cheddar is recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to grate the potatoes and remove as much moisture as possible by squeezing them in a towel before using them in the recipe.
2. How long does this casserole last?
Stored in an airtight container, Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use ground pork or sausage instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork or sausage can add a different layer of flavor, but be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Conclusion
There you have it! A rich, hearty, and satisfying Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this comforting dish in no time. Whether you enjoy it as-is or make a few personalized tweaks, this recipe will become a staple in your household meal rotation. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
PrintHamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
This hearty Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole recipe combines ground beef, hash browns, and cheddar cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal. With creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and seasonings, it’s an ideal dish for busy nights, family dinners, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ¾ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (298g), undiluted
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup half and half
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 30 ounces thawed frozen hash browns (850g)
- 3 cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half and half, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Mix in the thawed hash browns and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed and drained before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
Leave a Reply