Did you know a single serving of ground beef hash brown casserole has 33 grams of protein? That’s more than half the daily protein most adults need. This comfort food is not only tasty but also very nutritious. I’m excited to share my recipe for this family favorite dish. It combines crispy hash browns, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese.

In just an hour, you can make a delicious meal for 8 people, needing only 10 minutes of prep.

This casserole is not just tasty—it’s a balanced meal in one dish. Each serving has 27 grams of carbs, 36 grams of fat, and 564 calories. It’s a filling option that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how to make this crowd-pleasing ground beef hash brown casserole. It’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why This Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Is a Family Favorite

Ground beef and hash brown casserole is loved by many families. It’s affordable, easy to make, and tastes great. It’s a top pick for family dinners.

Perfect Comfort Food Combination

This casserole is a mix of textures and tastes. Crispy potatoes and savory ground beef make a delicious meal. Cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup add richness.

Budget-Friendly Meal Solution

This casserole is great for saving money. It uses affordable ingredients like frozen hash browns and ground beef. It makes 12 servings, perfect for big families or leftovers.

Kid-Approved Recipe

Kids love this casserole’s familiar tastes and textures. The cheese and potatoes are a hit. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in 1 hour, great for busy nights.

Ingredient	Amount
Ground Beef	1 pound
Frozen Hash Browns	26-30 ounces
Shredded Cheddar Cheese	2 cups
Sour Cream	16 ounces

This dish is easy to customize for different tastes and diets. It has a high rating of 4.54 out of 5 from 223 votes. It’s clear why it’s a favorite among families.

Essential Ingredients for Success

The secret to a mouthwatering ground beef hash brown casserole lies in its ingredients. I’ll guide you through selecting the best components to create a dish that’s sure to impress.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Opt for lean ground beef to keep your casserole flavorful without excess grease. One pound of 90% lean beef works perfectly for this recipe, providing ample protein without compromising taste.

Hash Brown Selection Tips

Frozen hashbrowns are a time-saving miracle for this dish. Look for shredded varieties – you’ll need about 4 cups. Make sure to thaw them before use to ensure even cooking and that perfect crispy texture.

Cheese and Dairy Components

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust flavor that complements the beef and potatoes. Use 2 cups, reserving half for topping. Don’t forget the sour cream – it brings a tangy creaminess that binds the casserole together.

Seasonings and Aromatics

Diced onion is critical for depth of flavor. Use ¼ cup for just the right amount of savory punch. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning profile, enriching the overall taste without overpowering the main ingredients.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Ground Beef	1 lb	Main protein
Frozen Hashbrowns	4 cups	Crispy base
Cheddar Cheese	2 cups	Cheesy goodness
Sour Cream	To taste	Creamy binder
Diced Onion	¼ cup	Aromatic flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Let’s make this tasty ground beef hash brown casserole. I’ll show you each step to make sure it’s perfect.

First, heat the oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. It takes about 10 minutes. Drain the fat and set it aside.

Next, cook 1 cup of chopped onions in the same skillet for 5 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons of minced garlic and cook for another minute. The smell will make your mouth water!

In a big mixing bowl, mix the cooked beef, onions, garlic, and 30 ounces of thawed hash browns. Add 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Put the mix in a greased baking dish. Spread it out and top with the remaining cup of cheese. Bake for 30 minutes. If you want more cheese, add it and bake for 15 more minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.

Ingredient	Amount	Cooking Time
Ground Beef	2 lbs	10 minutes
Onions	1 cup, chopped	5 minutes
Garlic	3 tbsp, minced	1 minute
Hash Browns	30 oz bag, thawed	N/A
Casserole	Entire dish	45 minutes

Your ground beef hash brown casserole is ready! It’s great for big gatherings or potlucks because it feeds a lot of people.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole

I’ve learned some tricks to elevate your ground beef hash brown casserole. Let’s dive into the secrets that will make your dish stand out.

Proper Draining Techniques

Drain your ground beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole. Use a colander and press with a spoon to remove excess fat. This step ensures a crisp texture in your final dish.

Temperature Control Secrets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for even cooking. Use a 9×13 inch casserole dish for optimal heat distribution. The cooking time should be 45 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You want golden brown hash browns and bubbly cheese.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

For a creamy texture, mix 1/2 cup of sour cream with 1/4 cup of milk. Add 2 cups of melted butter to your hash browns before layering. This combo creates a rich, velvety base for your casserole.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Ground beef	1 lb	Main protein
Frozen hash browns	4 cups	Crispy base
Shredded cheese	2 cups	Creamy topping
Cream soups	2 cans (10.5 oz each)	Rich sauce

Remember, the key to a perfect casserole lies in the details. Drain your beef well, control your oven temperature, and use melted butter for that irresistible flavor. Your family will beg for seconds!

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

The hash brown ground beef casserole is great for busy families. It’s easy to make ahead, saving time on busy weeknights. This dish offers several ways to store and prepare it, fitting your schedule.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Make sure to label it with the date and what’s inside.

Reheating Guidelines

To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 375°F for 30-45 minutes until warm. For leftovers in the fridge, microwave or bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Meal Prep Strategies

Prep parts ahead to save time. Brown the beef and chop veggies up to 2 days before. Store them in airtight containers. Assemble the casserole the night before and bake the next day.

Storage Method	Duration	Temperature
Refrigerator (assembled, unbaked)	Up to 2 days	40°F or below
Refrigerator (baked leftovers)	Up to 4 days	40°F or below
Freezer	Up to 3 months	0°F or below

With these storage and prep tips, you can enjoy your favorite casserole anytime. It’s perfect for meal planning and batch cooking.

Customization and Variations

This ground beef hash brown casserole is super versatile. You can change up the ingredients for new flavors. Try cream of chicken instead of mushroom soup for a different taste.

Shredded cheese is another way to make it your own. Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack adds a spicy twist.

Want a healthier version? Add some veggies like broccoli, carrots, or peas. They mix well with the hash browns and beef. You can also use more veggies and less meat to cut calories.

Got dietary restrictions? No worries! Use gluten-free cream soup and make sure your hash browns are gluten-free too. For those avoiding dairy, there are non-dairy cheese options. This dish is really flexible, fitting almost any diet.

Variation	Ingredient Swap	Flavor Profile
Tex-Mex	Taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese	Spicy, bold
Italian	Italian herbs, mozzarella cheese	Herby, cheesy
Veggie-loaded	Mixed vegetables, less beef	Light, nutritious
Breakfast	Add eggs, use breakfast sausage	Savory, hearty

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Your ground beef casserole with hash brown potatoes is a hearty meal. But, adding the right sides can make it even better. Here are some tasty ideas to complete your meal and match the rich flavors of this dish.

Complementary Vegetables

Make your meal colorful and nutritious with these veggies:

• Steamed broccoli florets
• Roasted asparagus spears
• Sautéed green beans with garlic
• Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette

Sauce Pairings

Try these sauces to enhance your ground beef casserole:

• Tangy barbecue sauce
• Creamy ranch dressing
• Spicy sriracha mayo
• Zesty salsa

Garnish Ideas

Finish your hash brown casserole with these toppings:

• Chopped fresh parsley or chives
• Dollop of sour cream
• Crispy fried onions
• Diced avocado

Side Dish	Prep Time	Cooking Method
Steamed Broccoli	5 minutes	Steamed
Roasted Asparagus	10 minutes	Oven-roasted
Garden Salad	15 minutes	Raw
Sautéed Green Beans	10 minutes	Pan-fried

Conclusion

I’ve shared all the details you need to make a delicious ground beef hash brown casserole. This classic comfort food uses 1.5 pounds of ground beef, 20 ounces of hash browns, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. It’s ready in just 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake, serving 6 people.

This dish is easy to customize. Try using turkey instead of beef, or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach. You can also change up the soup for different flavors. It’s a filling meal with 500 calories, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbs, great for busy nights.

This casserole is not only tasty but also practical. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. This ground beef hash brown casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

FAQ – Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole