Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate one-pan wonder, layering savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy hashbrowns, all smothered in melted cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings the family running to the dinner table. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that guarantees smiles and clean plates, you’ve found it. This recipe is straightforward, packed with flavor, and destined to become a staple in your meal rotation.

We’re talking about layers of pure comfort. The foundation is a perfectly seasoned ground beef and onion mixture, followed by a rich and creamy cheese sauce that binds everything together. Topped with golden-brown hashbrowns, this casserole delivers a delightful crunch in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a simple, delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

• Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or a comforting Sunday supper.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy days. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Casserole

This recipe relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly memorable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

(Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Hearty Filling:

• Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 85/15 or 90/10 to minimize grease.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: These create the aromatic flavor base for the entire dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret to the ultra-creamy sauce. You can also use cream of chicken or celery.
• Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and richness that balances the flavors.
• Shredded Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor.

For the Crispy Topping:

• Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns: No need to thaw! They go straight from the freezer to the casserole, making prep a breeze.
• Melted Butter: This helps the hashbrowns get perfectly golden and crispy in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Create the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked beef mixture to the creamy sauce, stirring until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Add the Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the frozen hashbrowns with the melted butter. Spread the hashbrowns evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the hashbrowns are golden brown. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and bake until it’s melted and gooey.

Tips and Variations for the Best Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Want to customize your casserole? Here are a few ideas to make it your own.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Thaw the Hashbrowns: Using them frozen is key to a crispy, not soggy, topping.
• Grease Your Dish: Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set, making it much easier to serve.

Flavor Variations

• Add Veggies: Mix in a cup of steamed vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition. Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms are also great additions.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a little kick. You could also use Pepper Jack cheese.
• Switch the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken. For a savory twist, try using Italian sausage like in this Italian Chicken Sausage recipe.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

This casserole is a fantastic all-in-one meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli are all excellent choices. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some warm dinner rolls or some delicious Garlic Butter Mushrooms (coming soon). If you’re planning a party, these would be great next to some Italian Sliders.

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Can I make this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the beef and sauce mixture in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the buttered frozen hashbrowns on top and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the total bake time.

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Can I use tater tots instead of shredded hashbrowns?

Absolutely! Using tater tots is a popular and delicious variation. Simply arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture and bake according to the recipe instructions. The result will be just as crispy and satisfying.

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How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until it’s heated through.

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Is it necessary to use frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, we highly recommend using the hashbrowns while they are still frozen. Thawing them first can introduce extra moisture, which may result in a soggy topping. Using them frozen ensures they get perfectly golden and crisp in the oven.

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What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can easily substitute it with condensed cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile. A homemade cream sauce would also work well.

Closing Thoughts

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights and a ticket to a delicious, stress-free meal. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. We hope you and your family love this dish as much as we do. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate one-pan wonder, layering savory ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and crispy hashbrowns. It's a hearty, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns do not thaw
• 1/4 cup butter melted

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Large Bowl

Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl with the sauce and stir to combine everything evenly.
6. Spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, toss the frozen hashbrowns with the melted butter until they are well-coated. Spread the hashbrowns in an even layer over the beef mixture.
8. Bake, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the hashbrowns are golden brown.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the hashbrown topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the buttered hashbrowns and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.