It was one of those busy weeknights when I needed to pull together something hearty and satisfying—but without a lot of fuss. I opened the fridge, spotted a bag of frozen hash browns, and remembered an old favorite: Cheesy Beef and Hash Brown Casserole.
It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the kitchen. Savory ground beef, creamy soup, melted cheese, and crispy hash browns come together in one irresistible bake. Simple, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry family—or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Short Description
A warm, cheesy casserole made with seasoned ground beef, crispy hash browns, and creamy soup. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this comforting dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese, and the thawed hash browns. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Why You’ll Love It
- Family-Friendly – Everyone loves cheesy hash browns!
- Quick to Make – Minimal prep with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the night before and bake when ready.
- Perfect for Potlucks – Travels well and feeds a crowd.
Tips & Variations
- Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken if you prefer.
- Add cooked bacon or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Try using pepper jack cheese for a little kick.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave—just as tasty!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes! Just shred them and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking, and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Hash Brown Casserole is one of those dependable, delicious dishes that you’ll come back to again and again. It’s cozy, filling, and endlessly customizable—and there’s nothing better than gathering around the table to dig into something this comforting.