Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, the one that makes you want to eat more. How do I curl up on the couch with a good book? What are some of the best tater tot casseroles you’ve ever made?Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe.Is that good? What’s not to like about potatoes and beef, but with a creamy, cheesy sauce? Is it over the top? Honestly, this is one of those meals that’s requested at least twice a month in my household – and that is the reason I have to keep it that way. When the weather gets chilly, you want to stay warm. Is this a crowd pleaser?
What is hashbrown and ground beef casserole?
Think of it as a deconstructed shepherd’s pie, but with crispy hashbrowns instead of mashed potatoes. It’s essentially layers of seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce (typically cream of mushroom) and fried vegetables. What are some of the best hashbrowns? What happens when all the flavors meld in the oven? What’s the best thing about a warm hug on your plate?Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe.How adaptable it is – you can throw in your favorite veggies, use different kinds of cheese, or use a different cheese. Can you add a little spice to beef? Is it possible to customize a website to your own taste?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this book?Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe.. What I love most is the flavor – the savory beef, the creamy sauce, and the crispy, salty hashbrowns create this symphony of textures and tastes that’s just irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to make, too. Seriously, if you can brown ground beef and open a can of soup, you can make this casserole. I’ve made this dozens of times, and it’s always a hit, even when I’m short on time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. Ground beef and hashbrowns are relatively inexpensive, so you can feed a whole family without breaking the bank. It also stretches really well, so leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day. And did I mention how versatile it is? I’ve added green beans, corn, peas, and even chopped bell peppers to this casserole, and it’s always delicious. It’s perfect for picky eaters because you can sneak in those extra veggies without them even noticing! This is perfect for when you want an incredibly satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen – and without doing mountains of dishes afterward!
How do I make hashbrown and ground beef casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make thisHashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. is surprisingly simple. First, you’ll brown your ground beef with some seasonings. Then, you’ll mix together the creamy sauce – it’s basically a dump-and-stir situation. Layer the beef, sauce, and hashbrowns in a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Trust me, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat!
Ingredients Notes
For the Ground Beef Layer:
Ground Beef:I usually go for 80/20 ground beef, but you can use leaner if you prefer. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for chicken?
Onion:I like to slice beef finely so it cooks evenly.
Garlic:What is better with garlic?
Worcestershire Sauce: WhatWhat is the secret ingredient to add depth of flavor to beef?
Seasonings:I usually use salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder, but feel free to experiment with your own.
What is the recipe for Creamy Sauce?
Cream of Mushroom Soup: What are someThis is the base of the sauce and adds a lot of creaminess. Is cream of chicken or celery soup good?
Sour Cream:What are some good substitutes for Greek yogurt?
Shredded cheese: I usually use cheddar or a cheddar blend, but you can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would be delicious.
Milk:Just a little bit to thin out the sauce to the right consistency. What kind of milk do you like?
For the Hashbrown Topping:
Frozen Hash I like to use shredded hashbrowns, but diced ones work too. Make sure they’re thawed before using them.
Melted Butter: Adds flavor and helps the hashbrowns get nice and crispy.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish. How do you make a casserole easier to serve? I learned the hard way – don’t skip greasing!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. I always sneak a little taste at this point to make sure it’s seasoned just right.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheese, and milk. Set aside. Stir until smooth and well combined. I sometimes add a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do you serve the creamy sauce over the beef? Drizzle the melted butter over the hashbrowns. This helps them get nice and crispy in the oven.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the hashbrowns are golden brown and the crust is crispy. What makes a casserole bubbly? I usually check it after 30 minutes and add a few more minutes if needed. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice. Plus, it gives you a chance to admire your handiwork!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice and serve hot. This Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is pretty filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some ideas:
For a Weeknight Dinner: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness. Steamed green beans or broccoli are also good options.
For a Potluck: Bring a big bowl of coleslaw or a pasta salad to share. These are always crowd-pleasers.
For a Holiday Gathering: Serve with some roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts. A cranberry sauce would also be a nice complement to the savory casserole.
For a Cozy Night In: Curl up on the couch with a bowl of this casserole and a side of garlic bread. Pure comfort food bliss! Growing up, my mom always served it with a side of buttered corn, and it’s still one of my favorite pairings.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Want to take your Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe to the next level? Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
Browning the Beef: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the ground beef. This will cause it to steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary.
Adding Flavor: Get creative with your seasonings. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some dried Italian herbs for a more savory flavor.
The Sauce: If you want a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it was surprisingly good, a bit thinner but still super tasty!
The Hashbrowns: Make sure the hashbrowns are thawed before using them. This will help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If you want to use fresh hashbrowns, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
Cheese Choices: Use a good quality cheese that melts well. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. My favorite is a sharp cheddar, but a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is also delicious.
Preventing a Soggy Casserole: To prevent the casserole from getting soggy, you can pre-bake the hashbrowns for about 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will help them get nice and crispy.
Veggies: Add some veggies! This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Frozen peas, corn, or green beans are all good options. Just thaw them before adding them to the casserole.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is great for making ahead of time or for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. I prefer to portion it out before freezing so I can easily grab a serving or two.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re adding a glaze, wait until the casserole is reheated before adding it. This will prevent the glaze from melting or becoming sticky during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish! It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting potluck dish, this casserole is the perfect choice. I’ve made it so many times for different occasions, and it always disappears fast. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
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Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 packet frozen hashbrowns about 30 oz
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 cup sour cream full-fat
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until well combined.
- Spread frozen hashbrowns evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with beef mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with paprika before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
