Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to gather smiles around the dinner table, it’s this comforting classic: ground beef hash brown casserole. As someone who’s spent a fair share of weeknights juggling dinner with everything else life throws our way, I can tell you; this recipe is an absolute lifesaver. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Picture this: layers of golden, crispy shredded hash browns hugging perfectly seasoned ground beef, all blanketed in melty cheese that stretches just right with every bite. Yep, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. But what really makes this ground beef hash brown casserole a standout? It’s the simplicity. No fancy steps, no weird ingredients; just honest, delicious comfort food.

Whether you're feeding a hungry crowd, planning ahead for a stress-free weeknight, or bringing a dish to a potluck that’ll have folks chasing you down for the recipe, this ground beef hash brown casserole is the kind of reliable go-to you'll come back to again and again.

So grab a baking dish and let’s dive into the magic behind this cheesy, beefy, crispy-topped wonder. Trust me; this ground beef hash brown casserole might just become your new favorite.

Why This Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Stands Out

Let’s be real; ground beef hash brown casserole isn’t your average throw-it-in-the-oven meal. This cozy dish brings together the best of breakfast and dinner in one crave-worthy creation. You’ve got those golden, crispy hash browns on top (and/or bottom, if you're feeling fancy), tender seasoned ground beef in the middle, and a glorious layer of melted cheese holding everything together in cheesy harmony.

What makes this ground beef hash brown casserole truly shine, though, is the control it gives you over flavor. Unlike many casseroles that lean hard on canned soups, this one puts the seasoning power in your hands. Want it garlicky? Go for it. Need to tone it down for the little ones? Easy. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and totally customizable to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Another win? It’s the kind of dish that plays well with others. Pair your ground beef hash brown casserole with a crisp green salad, some garlicky steamed veggies, or even a slab of warm buttered bread for the ultimate comfort meal. And if you're into meal prepping (or just love leftovers that don’t taste like cardboard), this casserole reheats like a dream; arguably even better the next day.

In short, this isn’t just a dinner; it’s a warm, cheesy hug in casserole form. And once you try it, ground beef hash brown casserole might just become your go-to dish when life calls for something easy, hearty, and guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

Here's everything you need to make this crowd-pleasing ground beef hash brown casserole:

• Ground beef
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Sour cream
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Butter, melted
• Green onions, chopped

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitution Options for Your Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole

One of the best parts about making a ground beef hash brown casserole is how forgiving and flexible it is. Whether you're swapping ingredients based on what’s in the fridge or tailoring it to suit specific tastes or dietary needs, this recipe is easy to adapt. Here are some tried-and-true substitutions that still keep all the flavor and comfort intact:

• Ground beef: Want to lighten things up? Ground turkey or chicken steps in beautifully while still giving you that hearty base we all love in a ground beef hash brown casserole.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Not a fan or simply out of stock? Cream of chicken or celery soup works just as well, offering that creamy consistency with a different flavor profile.
• Sour cream: You can easily swap this with plain Greek yogurt for a similar tang; and bonus points for the added protein.
• Cheddar cheese: Feeling spicy? Pepper jack cheese adds a little heat, or you can shake things up with a melty Mexican blend for a bold twist.
• Hash browns: Traditional shredded hash browns are classic, but O’Brien-style hash browns with diced peppers and onions bring extra flavor and a pop of color to your ground beef hash brown casserole.

No matter how you mix and match, the beauty of a ground beef hash brown casserole is that it’s nearly impossible to mess up. It’s one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes that welcomes a bit of creativity in the kitchen.

Instructions

Prep & Cook the Beef (15 minutes)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Thaw the hash browns while you prep other ingredients. For quick thawing, microwave for 2-3 minutes on defrost.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
4. When beef is halfway cooked, add diced onions and continue until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent.
5. Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then drain excess grease.
6. Season with half the salt and pepper, then set aside.

Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture (5 minutes)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, remaining salt and pepper, and paprika.
2. Add 1½ cups of the shredded cheese (save ½ cup for topping) and mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Assemble the Casserole (5 minutes)

1. Spread half of the hash brown mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Layer the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the hash browns.
3. Top with the remaining hash brown mixture, spreading it to cover the beef.
4. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.

Bake and Serve (35-40 minutes)

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are crispy.
3. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy while hot.

1. Step 1: Prep & Cook the Beef
   Brown ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture
   Mix hash browns, cheese, sour cream, soup, and seasonings in a bowl.

3. Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
   Layer the hash brown and beef mixtures in a baking dish.

4. Step 4: Bake and Serve
   Bake until golden brown, rest, then serve hot with garnish.

Pro Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole

Want to take your ground beef hash brown casserole from good to can’t-stop-eating-it great? These pro tips will help you build better texture, deeper flavor, and that mouthwatering golden crust every casserole dreams of.

• Pat those hash browns dry: If you're using frozen hash browns, make sure they're fully thawed and gently pressed with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Damp hash browns = soggy casserole. Dry hash browns = crispy, golden perfection.
• Handle with care: When combining everything, fold the ingredients together gently. Overmixing can break down the hash browns and turn your ground beef hash brown casserole into a mushy mess.
• Sear your beef like you mean it: Browning the ground beef properly (no rushing!) unlocks those rich, caramelized bits that add incredible depth to the overall flavor. This is where a humble casserole gets its wow factor.
• Mix up the cheese game: While cheddar is a classic, don’t be afraid to play. A blend of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack; or even a smoky gouda; can bring a deliciously unexpected twist to your ground beef hash brown casserole.
• Room temp is your friend: Let ingredients like sour cream sit out for a few minutes before mixing. When everything is close to the same temperature, you get a smoother blend and a creamier bake.

These small steps make a big difference; and they’re what separate a decent dish from one that gets recipe requests at every gathering. Your next ground beef hash brown casserole is about to become legendary. diet.

Recipe Variations to Try

One of the many reasons I love making ground beef hash brown casserole is how endlessly customizable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can tweak, twist, and turn it into all sorts of delicious spin-offs. Whether you're feeding picky eaters, spice lovers, or early risers, there’s a variation here to shake things up while still keeping that comfort-food charm.

• Low-Carb Option
  Watching the carbs? You can still enjoy the cozy vibes of a casserole. Just replace half the hash browns with well-drained riced cauliflower. It keeps the volume without sacrificing texture, and your lighter version of ground beef hash brown casserole will still be just as satisfying.link)
• Loaded Cowboy Casserole
  Think of this as the wild-west version of your favorite ground beef hash brown casserole. Just add ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and ¼ cup of diced red bell pepper to the beef mixture. The result? Smoky, savory, and undeniably hearty; perfect for ranch-hand appetites.
• Southwest Fiesta Hash Brown Casserole
  Ready for a little Tex-Mex flair? Stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef, mix in a can of drained corn and black beans, and finish with fresh diced tomatoes and avocado on top. This version turns your ground beef hash brown casserole into a fiesta of flavors that’s just begging for a side of salsa.
• Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole
  Who says casseroles are just for dinner? Swap the ground beef for breakfast sausage and stir in 6 scrambled eggs before baking. It’s a morning-friendly twist that’s perfect for brunches, holidays, or any time breakfast-for-dinner sounds like a good idea (which is... always).

Equipment

• Deep 9x13 casserole dish: Glass or ceramic works best for even heating. A dish with handles makes it easier to remove from the oven.
• Large skillet: A 12-inch skillet with high sides gives you plenty of room to brown the beef and mix in the onions without spilling.
• Quality mixing bowl: A large bowl with non-slip bottom makes mixing the hash brown mixture much easier.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your casserole has reached a safe temperature throughout.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerator Storage
  This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers once completely cooled.
• Freezing Instructions
  You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking:
  • Before baking: Assemble the casserole as directed, but don't bake it. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • After baking: Cool completely, then portion into meal-sized containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

• Reheating Tips
  To maintain the crispy top when reheating, use the oven rather than the microwave if possible. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F.

FAQ

Cozy Dinners Start Here

This ground beef hash brown casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table (and maybe even back for seconds). With its crispy potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and melty cheese, it’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend treat.

What makes this recipe such a winner is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to fit whatever’s in your fridge, prep it ahead for busy nights, or double it for a crowd. Once you’ve nailed the base version, the possibilities are endless; and your family will love every variation you throw their way. If you’re looking for more easy, crowd-pleasing dinner ideas, don’t miss our Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe (3 Ingredients) or the ultra-creamy Easy Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff; both perfect for when life gets busy but dinner still needs to taste amazing.

Try this ground beef hash brown casserole tonight and let us know how you made it your own in the comments. We love hearing your delicious twists!

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Pairing

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