Hamburger and Hashbrown Casserole
Craving something warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? Look no further than the Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole.
This easy-to-make dish combines savory beef, crispy hashbrowns, and gooey cheese into one comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
If you’re interested in exploring more comforting recipes, you might also enjoy trying this Albanian Cornbread or this delicious Albanian Qofte.
Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as simple as satisfying? Make sure to stick around until the end to get all the answers to your questions about this recipe.
What is Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Made Of?
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is composed of a few key ingredients that come together to create a dish full of rich and comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: The base of the casserole, provides a hearty, savory flavor that’s the foundation of the dish.
- Onions: These are cooked along with the ground beef, adding a layer of sweetness and depth that complements the other ingredients.
- Creamy elements: Sour cream and cream of mushroom soup are typically used to create a rich, creamy consistency that binds the casserole together.
- Shredded hashbrowns: These provide the signature texture of the dish, offering a satisfying bite that contrasts with the creaminess of the other ingredients.
- Cheese: A generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese is added before baking, creating a deliciously gooey and golden crust on top of the casserole.
How to Make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole?
Making Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a straightforward process that doesn’t require much time or effort. Here’s how you can put it all together:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready to bake the casserole to perfection.
- Cook the ground beef and onions: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. As the beef cooks, add the chopped onions and continue to sauté until they’re soft and translucent. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with a can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the hashbrowns: Gently fold in the frozen hashbrowns, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Shop My Favorite Items to Make This Recipe
If you’re ready to make this delicious Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole, here are some of my favorite kitchen items from Amazon that I use and love:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
I love this cast iron skillet because it evenly browns the ground beef and onions, creating the perfect base for the casserole. It’s durable, versatile, and adds a wonderful flavor to anything you cook. - Pyrex 3-Quart Baking Dish
This baking dish is the ideal size for casseroles like this one. It’s made from high-quality glass that heats evenly, and it’s easy to clean, making it my go-to dish for all my baking needs. - Cuisinart Boxed Grater
Grating cheese by hand is a breeze with this boxed grater. It has multiple grating sizes and is sturdy enough to handle even the toughest blocks of cheese, ensuring you get that perfect cheesy topping for your casserole. - Hamilton Beach Food Processor
If you prefer shredding fresh potatoes instead of using frozen hashbrowns, this food processor is a lifesaver. It quickly and efficiently shreds potatoes and other vegetables, saving you time and effort. - KitchenAid Silicone Mixing Spatula
I love this mixing spatula for its flexibility and sturdiness. It’s perfect for folding in hashbrowns and spreading the casserole mixture evenly in the baking dish.
These items not only make the cooking process easier but also ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
How to Thaw Frozen Hashbrowns for Casserole?
To thaw frozen hashbrowns, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Thawing them before mixing ensures they incorporate smoothly into the casserole and cook evenly.
How Long Does It Take to Cook a Hamburger Casserole?
The total cooking time for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is about 45-50 minutes in a 350°F oven. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the hashbrowns become crispy and golden on top.
How to Freeze Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole?
Freezing Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a great way to have a homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
To freeze, first, allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture.
Once cooled, wrap the entire casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil for added protection.
You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through.
This method preserves the casserole’s flavors and textures, making it just as delicious as when it was first made.
What to Serve with Hamburger Casserole
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a rich and hearty dish, so it pairs well with lighter sides that can balance out its flavors. Consider serving it with:
- A fresh green salad: The crispness of a salad, especially with a tangy vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and a healthy complement to the meal.
- Garlic bread: A side of garlic bread adds a comforting touch and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the casserole.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns? Yes, you can! Just shred the fresh potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely. Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans can enhance the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Cheddar is traditional, but you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package 30 oz frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Hashbrowns: Fold in the thawed hashbrowns until evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side.