This cheesy hash brown casserole with hamburger is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. This recipe elevates the classic hash brown casserole by adding juicy hamburger for extra flavor and heartiness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously easy-to-make dish!
What Makes This Hash Brown Casserole Special?
This recipe stands out from the crowd because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy hash browns provide a delightful crunch, while the creamy cheese sauce and savory hamburger create a rich and satisfying experience. We’ve carefully chosen ingredients and techniques to ensure a consistently delicious outcome every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (20 ounce) bags frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions for the Ultimate Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Gently fold in the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh hash browns. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh hash browns will cook differently than frozen ones. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Other great options include Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to bake it.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
To make this casserole healthier, you can use leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7), reduce the amount of cheese, and add some vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. You can also use reduced-fat cream of mushroom and chicken soups.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or a fresh fruit salad.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the hash browns.
- Use a well-greased baking dish: This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting cheesy hash brown casserole with hamburger! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
