Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef – Easy & Yummy Treat
Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef
Hashbrown casserole with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food that turns simple ingredients into a hearty, filling meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, featuring seasoned beef layered with tender hashbrowns and melted cheese. This casserole is a one-dish wonder that satisfies both kids and adults, perfect for a cozy family dinner night or a relaxing Sunday dinner with loved ones.
What makes this casserole so special is how it combines textures and flavors effortlessly. The frozen hashbrowns create a soft, creamy base, while the beef adds richness and a savory balance. A blend of sour cream, condensed soup, and cheese ties everything together into a perfectly baked dish with a golden crust on top. It’s warm, indulgent, and versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Home cooks love this recipe because it’s simple to prepare, reliable, and easy to adapt with what’s on hand. You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques to make it taste amazing. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in every bite, offering nostalgia and satisfaction without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hashbrown casserole with ground beef is more than just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a dependable recipe that always turns out well. You’ll love it for several reasons:
As a chef, I love this recipe because it’s forgiving and customizable. Even if you adjust the ingredients slightly, it still tastes fantastic. It’s also a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal that feels substantial and balanced.
Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving
This casserole easily feeds a large family or group of guests, and leftovers are just as good the next day.
Ingredients
Substitution Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink, add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This mixture is what gives the casserole its signature texture and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked beef and onions into the creamy mixture. Stir in the thawed hashbrowns and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over it for a melty, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is lightly golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to cut neat portions.
How to Serve
This hashbrown casserole with ground beef is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For dinner, serve it with:
For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside:
For presentation, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top before serving. The contrast of green against the cheesy golden top makes it look appetizing and restaurant-worthy.
Additional Tips
To make this recipe turn out perfectly every time, keep these chef-approved tips in mind:
Recipe Variations
Freezing and Storage
Proper storage ensures that your casserole tastes just as good the next day or even weeks later.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):
Final Words
Hashbrown casserole with ground beef is one of those timeless dishes that never disappoints. It’s hearty, creamy, and flavorful exactly the kind of comfort food that brings everyone together. Whether it’s for a family dinner night, a holiday gathering, or a casual Sunday dinner, this casserole delivers flavor and satisfaction every single time.
The best part is how flexible it is. You can use what you have on hand and still end up with something delicious. Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your home, loved for its simplicity and heartwarming taste.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This casserole proves that the simplest ingredients, when handled with care, can create something truly special. Also try my Cream Cheese Banana Bread or Keto Banana Bread for a comforting dessert to complete your meal.
FAQ’s
Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef – Easy & Yummy Treat
Course: Casserole Recipes8
servings20
minutes45
minutes480
kcalIngredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink, add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This mixture is what gives the casserole its signature texture and flavor.
- Add the cooked beef and onions into the creamy mixture. Stir in the thawed hashbrowns and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over it for a melty, golden finish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is lightly golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to cut neat portions.
Notes
- Thaw hashbrowns completely before mixing. Frozen potatoes can prevent even cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains starch that can affect creaminess.
- Drain cooked beef well to avoid a greasy result.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices.
- If you like a crunchier texture, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
- For extra flavor, stir a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce into the beef while cooking.
- To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
