Creamy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: The Comfort Food You Need Tonight

If you're searching for the perfect comfort food that brings together creamy textures, savory flavors, and cheesy goodness, look no further than this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole recipe. It’s a hearty meal loaded with juicy ground beef, tender hash browns, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, all tied together with rich cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. The crispy top layer of cheese is guaranteed to make your mouth water!

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This dish has become a staple in my kitchen for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal. I first discovered this recipe on a cozy weeknight when I wanted something filling but easy to make. Since then, it has been a hit every time, and I’m excited to share this fantastic dish with you.

I found the original version of this delicious recipe at Insanely Good Recipes, and I’ve added a few tweaks to make it my own. I highly recommend you give it a try!

Origins & Fun Facts Hamburger casseroles, a quintessential American dish, became popular in the mid-20th century, as families looked for easy, cost-effective meals. The addition of hash browns brings a delightful twist, adding a layer of crispy potatoes that pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef. The combination of these elements creates a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Recipe Instructions

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the hash brown mixture: In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the hash brown mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the ground beef mixture and frozen mixed vegetables. Spread the remaining hash brown mixture evenly over the top.
5. Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let it stand: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.

Cooking Tips & Pairings

• Variations: You can easily customize this casserole to suit your dietary preferences. For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and double the veggies or add plant-based meat substitutes.
• Cooking Tip: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture. This helps to avoid sogginess and ensures that the top layer of the casserole crisps up perfectly.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for an even heartier meal.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Make sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share this with friends and hit that follow button for more amazing recipes!