Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. It features tender ground beef sautéed with onions, combined with crispy shredded hash browns, creamy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. The casserole offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, with a crispy cheesy top and a rich, creamy interior that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 bag)
Dairy and Creamy Components
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 10.75 ounce condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together. Break up the beef as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat or liquids to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, ground pepper, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add in the shredded hash browns and the cooked ground beef and onions. Mix in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch or similarly large baking dish thoroughly. Transfer the prepared mixture to the baking dish, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. For a crispy, browned top, optionally switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven once the edges are bubbly and the cheese is golden and slightly crisp.
Notes
- For extra crispy top, broiling after baking is recommended but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess grease but some fat is necessary for flavor and moisture.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor variation.
- Feel free to add diced green peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
- Let casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier serving.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, hash brown casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, baked casserole
