Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole combining savory browned ground beef, tender onions, and crispy shredded hash browns all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for a family meal or potluck gathering, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures in a single casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 30 ounces frozen hash brown potatoes, shredded (1 bag)
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 cup sour cream
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat or liquid from the skillet to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
- Combine the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, salt, ground pepper, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Add the frozen shredded hash browns, cooked ground beef and onions, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the casserole base is evenly combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch or similarly large baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared dish and spread out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to allow the casserole to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Optional Broiling Step: For a crispier and browned top, switch the oven to broil after baking and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven once the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the edges are slightly crisp.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Draining the cooked beef mixture is important to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Frozen hash browns do not need to be thawed before mixing.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- The optional broil step enhances texture with a crispy cheese topping but can be skipped if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, hash brown casserole, cheesy casserole, baked hash browns, comfort food, easy dinner, crockpot alternative, family meal
