Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, everyone’s tired, and you need something warm and satisfying, pronto! That’s where my family’s absolute FAVORITE Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe comes in. Seriously, this isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug in a dish.

This casserole? It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, seriously! I threw it together for the first time when my sister was home from college, and now…forget about it! Its’ requested for every holiday without question. But the best part? It’s unbelievably easy. Ground beef, hash browns, CHEESE—what’s not to love? Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a regular in your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Seriously, where do I even START? This casserole is just…amazing. Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

• It’s SO easy to make – even on crazy weeknights.
• Kids LOVE it! No more dinner battles, yay!
• Uses super simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Perfect for meal prep – make it ahead and bake later.
• Comfort food at its finest, cheesy goodness in every bite!
• Totally customizable, add your fave veggies and cheeses.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1 pound ground beef (I usually go lean!), 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white works!), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (crucial!), 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup sour cream (full-fat is my preference, it’s richer!) and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Easy peasy!

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is super simple, I swear. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting dinner in no time!

1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C for my friends across the pond!). Getting that oven ready is KEY.
2. Now, grab a large skillet and brown your 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Nobody wants giant clumps of beef!
3. Once the beef is browned, drain off any extra grease. Nobody needs that!
4. Stir in the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is nice and tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion soft, not crunchy!
5. In a large bowl (yes, another bowl!), combine the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix it all up until it’s nicely combined.
6. Add the ground beef mixture to the hash brown mixture and stir, stir, stir! Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
7. Pour the whole shebang into a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you’re worried about sticking, give it a quick spray with some non-stick cooking spray.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! You want it bubbly, not burnt!
10. Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. Plus, it gives you time to set the table and grab a drink!

And there you have it! A delicious, comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole that’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Okay, you wanna make this casserole *amazing*, right? Here are my top secrets!

• **Brown that beef right!** Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of brown. Trust me, you want that browned flavor!
• **Thaw those hash browns!** Seriously, don’t skip this. Soggy casserole = sad faces. You can put them in the fridge overnight to thaw, or even use the microwave on the defrost setting if you’re in a pinch!
• **Cheese, glorious cheese!** Want extra melty cheese? Shred it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded. It melts SO much better.
• **Say NO to soggy!** To prevent a soggy casserole, make sure you really drain that ground beef and thaw those potatoes. Nobody wants soup!

Variations for Your Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Okay, listen up, ’cause this is where it gets FUN! This Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is like a blank canvas. Wanna spice things up? Make it healthier? Go wild! Here are some of my fave ways to tweak it:

• **Veggie Power!** Toss in some diced bell peppers (any color!), canned corn (drained, of course!), or even some chopped broccoli. The more veggies, the merrier, I always say!
• **Cheese, Please!** Cheddar’s classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Monterey Jack and pepper jack are AMAZING. Trust me.
• **Spice It Up!** A pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder gives it a KICK. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
• **Meat Swap!** Not feeling the beef? Ground turkey or sausage works just as well. Actually, ground turkey’s fantastic, if you’re looking for a lighter option. Check out my Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole recipe for more ideas!

Seriously, don’t be afraid to play around and find what you love! That’s the BEST part of cooking!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Okay, so you’re thinking of making this Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole ahead of time? Smart move! You totally can! Just assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. And YES, you can freeze this casserole! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Easy peasy!

FAQ About Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Got questions about this Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use fresh hash browns?

You *can*, but I don’t usually recommend it. Frozen hash browns are just easier! But if you’re feeling ambitious, go for it! Just make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible, otherwise, your casserole might get a little watery.

Can I substitute the soup?

Absolutely! Cream of mushroom is my go-to, but cream of chicken or cream of celery works great too. Or, hey, get wild and try cream of cheddar! Just make sure it’s a condensed soup.

Can I add vegetables?

YES! As I mentioned before, this casserole is super customizable. Corn, bell peppers, broccoli…the sky’s the limit! Just make sure to chop them up small so they cook evenly.

How long does it last in the fridge?

This casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s covered tightly. It’s even better the next day, if you ask me! The flavors really meld together. Yum!

Can I freeze it after baking?

Yep! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Okay, quick disclaimer: Nutritional information can vary *wildly* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come yelling at me! 🙂

Enjoy Your Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe!

Alright, my friend, I’m tellin’ ya, this Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is a WINNER! So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip it up! And hey, if you try it, PLEASE come back and leave a comment and rate the recipe. I wanna know what you think! Oh, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Sharing is caring, right?

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