Casseroles have a special place in my heart—they’re like warm hugs on a plate! When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the incredible mix of flavors in a hamburger hash brown casserole. I remember the first time I made this dish for a potluck with friends. I was a bit nervous, but as soon as it came out of the oven, the bubbling cheese and savory aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew I had a winner! It’s hearty, filling, and oh-so-satisfying, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, which means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 onion, diced (to add that lovely flavor)
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (no need to thaw—just toss them in!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (because who doesn’t love cheese?)
- 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy goodness)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this is the secret to richness!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (a must for flavor!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious hamburger hash brown casserole! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the reward is totally worth it. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want that perfect bubbling and golden topping when it’s done baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook it until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly!
- Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the skillet. Don’t skip this step, or your casserole might turn out too greasy!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This is where the magic happens!
- Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the hash brown mixture. Stir it all together until it’s evenly combined. You want every bite to have that hearty flavor!
- Now, grease a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one), and spread half of the hash brown mixture into the bottom. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick—it’s going to bake up beautifully!
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of that layer. Cheese makes everything better, right?
- Layer the remaining hash brown mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until it’s all bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells amazing!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle, and it helps prevent any lava-like cheese spills. Enjoy your hearty casserole!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates. Each serving of this hearty hamburger hash brown casserole contains about 350 calories, with 22g of fat (10g of that being saturated fat), and 18g of protein. You’ll also get around 24g of carbohydrates, along with 2g of fiber. It’s a filling dish that doesn’t skimp on taste! Just remember, these values are approximate, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients or dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling—perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs!
- Easy to prepare with just a few simple steps.
- Ideal for family meals or gatherings; it feeds a crowd!
- Comfort food at its finest, bringing everyone together.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your hamburger hash brown casserole turns out absolutely perfect! First off, if you want to boost the flavor, try using seasoned hash browns instead of the regular ones. They add a delightful kick that really elevates the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substituting ground turkey for the beef works wonderfully too! It’s a great way to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.
Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with your cheese! While cheddar is always a winner, mixing in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a fun twist. And if you like a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed potato chips or French fried onions on top during the last few minutes of baking. Trust me, those little bits of crunch will make your casserole even more irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving your hamburger hash brown casserole with a fresh side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly—just imagine that warm, toasty goodness alongside your dish! And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top of the casserole for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, they’ll be just as tasty! To store your hamburger hash brown casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to cover it to avoid any splattering. Enjoy those yummy leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have fresh hash browns, just make sure to cook them slightly before mixing them in. This will help achieve that perfect texture in your casserole.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. It’ll still keep things creamy and delicious!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the hamburger hash brown casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—it’s a great time-saver!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a bubbly, golden brown top! You can also poke it with a fork; if it comes out clean and the center is hot, you’re good to go!
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Definitely! You can freeze it before baking or after. Just make sure it’s in a well-sealed container, and it should keep for about 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty and filling dish combining hamburger, hash browns, and cheese.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked beef and onion to the mixture.
- Spread half of the mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
- Add the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- For added flavor, use seasoned hash browns.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Casserole
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 24g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: hamburger hash brown casserole
