Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Hash Brown and Hamburger Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, shredded sharp cheddar, and crispy fried onions baked to golden perfection. This casserole is perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals, combining savory flavors and a satisfying cheesy crunch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or any kind of ground meat you like
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 30 oz Bag of Frozen Shredded Hash Browns
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (approx. 10.5 oz)
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (approx. 10.5 oz) or any two cans of your favorite "cream of" soups
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 8 oz Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (for topping)
- 1-2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1-2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1-2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 cups French's Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease and set the meat mixture aside.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns with the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. Stir in the sour cream and 8 oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, avoiding adding salt at this point to prevent over-salting.
- Combine Meat and Casserole Base: Mix the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture into the hash brown and soup mixture until well incorporated and evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, allowing the casserole to cook through and the top to begin setting.
- Add Toppings and Continue Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1-2 cups of French’s crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove from the oven, season to taste if needed with salt or additional black pepper. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish.
Notes
- This casserole can be made up to 2 days ahead by assembling it fully except for baking and omitting the extra cheese and fried onions topping. Keep covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready as directed.
- For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole (without the cheese and crispy onions topping). Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before baking as per instructions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
