Cheese and Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple pantry and freezer staples: Uses ground beef, frozen hashbrowns, canned soup, milk, and cheese-ingredients many of us already have on hand.
• True comfort food: Creamy hashbrowns, savory beef, and a cheesy topping make this the kind of cozy casserole everyone wants seconds of.
• Family-friendly and filling: It's hearty enough to be a full meal on its own or paired with a simple salad or veggie side.
• Easy to customize: Add veggies like green beans, corn, or peas, or swap the cheese to make it your own.
• Great for leftovers: Reheats well and makes an easy next-day lunch or even a hearty breakfast with an egg on top.

How to Make Cheese and Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole

Key ingredients

Here are some of the ingredients you need for this cheese and hashbrown hamburger casserole:

• Frozen hash browns: You can use shredded or cubed hash browns. For the best texture, thaw them first so they cook through evenly and don't stay hard in the center.
• Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps the casserole hearty without being overly greasy.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef, so the casserole doesn't taste flat.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy sauce that coats the hashbrowns and beef-use your favorite brand.
• Milk: Thins the soup into a pourable sauce and helps everything bake up creamy.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or a cheddar blend melts nicely and gives you that classic cheesy casserole top.
• Optional: Add green beans, corn, or other veggies to boost flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease your favorite baking dish.

2. Step 2: Cook the onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.

3. Step 3: Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper while the beef is cooking. Drain any excess fat if needed.

4. Step 4: Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.

5. Step 5: Bake: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

6. Step 6: Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the last ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Expert Tips for the Best Hash brown Hamburger Casserole

• Thaw the hashbrowns: For evenly cooked potatoes, thaw the frozen hashbrowns first and pat them dry if they're very wet. Using them straight from the freezer can lead to undercooked centers.
• Use the right baking dish: A 9x13-inch casserole dish works best so the mixture isn't too thick-this helps the hashbrowns cook through and the edges get a little crispy.
• Season as you go: Season the beef and onion with salt and pepper while they cook. You can always add a little more to the hashbrown mixture before baking.
• Cover if needed: If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn't quite hot, loosely cover the casserole with foil for part of the baking time.
• Customize with veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, green beans, or a mix of veggies to make it a complete meal in one pan.
• Let it rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets up slightly and cuts and scoops more easily.

FAQ's

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.

Best Dishes To Pair With Hamburger Casserole

MORE Easy-to-make casseroles