Are you looking for a delicious, hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further! This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese into a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, having a casual family dinner, or just want a satisfying dish to enjoy on a lazy evening, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Read on to discover everything you need to know about making the ultimate Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole, from the ingredients to substitutions, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results every time!

What is Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole?
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting baked dish that combines ground beef (hamburger), shredded hashbrowns, and creamy ingredients like soup or sour cream. It's often topped with shredded cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The casserole is hearty, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that delivers comfort food at its finest. With simple ingredients, this recipe can be prepped in minutes and offers plenty of room for variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients to make the classic Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. These ingredients can be easily found at most grocery stores:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best, but you can use any variety.
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns – Shredded or diced hashbrowns both work well.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – You can also use cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced – Provides an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to add more if you like it extra cheesy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional) – For greasing the casserole dish.
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled bacon – For an extra savory bite.
- Crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers – Adds a crispy topping.
- Chopped parsley or green onions – For a fresh garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, omit the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar is the go-to cheese for this casserole, you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different flavor profile.
- Cream of Soup Variations: Feel free to switch the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar cheese soup for a twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soup and skip the optional cracker topping for a gluten-free meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is easy and straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious, comforting meal:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds extra flavor to your casserole. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and add the raw onion directly to the mixture, but sautéing enhances the taste.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, frozen hashbrowns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. If you’re using a topping like crumbled bacon or crushed crackers, sprinkle it on top now.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Add Extra Cheese
If you want an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and create a gooey, delicious crust.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick recap of the key steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cook ground beef until browned and drain excess fat.
- Sauté onions until soft.
- Mix beef, onions, hashbrowns, soup, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in the baking dish and add toppings if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Raw Ground Beef: Always cook the ground beef before adding it to the casserole. Raw meat will not cook properly in the casserole, leading to uneven results.
- Overcooking the Hashbrowns: Frozen hashbrowns will cook through as the casserole bakes. If you cook them too much beforehand, they might turn mushy.
- Forgetting to Drain the Meat: Be sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Not Mixing Thoroughly: Ensure that all the ingredients are well-mixed before spreading them in the casserole dish. Uneven mixing can lead to inconsistent flavor and texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make your casserole look even more delicious. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the casserole.
- Individual Portions: If you’re serving this casserole for a special occasion, you can bake it in individual ramekins for a more polished presentation.
How to Serve Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can always serve it with side dishes for a more balanced dinner. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are healthy sides that complement the hearty casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread adds extra flavor and can be great for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Pickles or Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of pickles or coleslaw can balance out the richness of the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
For a family-style dinner, place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. You can also scoop out portions onto plates, then top with garnishes like fresh herbs, a sprinkle of paprika, or crispy onions for added visual appeal.
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish or two separate dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can use freshly shredded potatoes in place of frozen hashbrowns. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole.
How long does Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make this casserole without cream soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of soup with a homemade sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and broth for a more natural option.
What can I add to make the casserole more flavorful?
You can add spices like paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to boost the flavor. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms also adds depth to the dish.
Conclusion
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful, filling, and easy-to-make dish that will become a staple in your home. With its rich combination of flavors and textures, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try today and enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort!
PrintHamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole recipe combines savory ground beef, hashbrowns, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup for a hearty, easy-to-make dish. Ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole satisfies with its rich flavors and creamy texture. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to comfort food your family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef and onions in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and half the shredded cheese. Mix in the cooked beef.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle crushed potato chips or French-fried onions on top.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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