Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Family Dinner

Prepare to meet your new favorite comfort food sensation: the **Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole**. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a heartwarming, satisfying dish that takes the beloved cheesy hashbrown casserole base, often affectionately known as “funeral potatoes,” and elevates it with a rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned ground beef filling. The result? A truly unforgettable main dish casserole that effortlessly blends two classic comfort foods into one incredible meal, destined to become a staple in your family recipe collection. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy potatoes and hearty meat, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re already a huge fan of “funeral potatoes” (those incredibly creamy, cheesy hashbrowns that make an appearance at every gathering) or you simply adore a hearty main dish casserole, this recipe is crafted just for you. If the idea of a classic tater tot casserole excites your taste buds, then prepare for this hamburger hashbrown creation to become your next obsession. It offers a familiar warmth with an exciting new twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Imagine your favorite old-school Tater Tot Casserole marrying the irresistible charm of cheesy hashbrown potato casserole. This dish is precisely that delightful union. It’s a culinary match made in heaven, bringing together the best of both worlds into one comforting, layered masterpiece. The textures, the flavors, the sheer ease of preparation – it all comes together to create a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. If that description doesn’t have you reaching for your mixing bowl, then you might just be missing out on something truly special!

What truly sets this particular hashbrown casserole recipe apart from countless other funeral potato recipes is its distinct, rich, and intensely flavorful layer of ground beef filling, nestled expertly between generous layers of gooey, cheesy potato goodness. This isn’t merely about adding plain ground beef and calling it a complete meal; it’s about crafting a perfectly seasoned beef layer that infuses the entire dish with incredible depth, transforming it into a hearty and complete meal that satisfies every craving. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious, and it’s an absolute showstopper for any family get-together or potluck, guaranteeing empty dishes and happy faces.

Why You’ll Adore This Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

This casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your culinary rotation and become a much-requested family favorite:

• Unbeatable Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes and savory meat. This dish delivers on every level, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite, making it ideal for chilly evenings, celebratory meals, or simply when you need a hug in food form. Its familiar flavors evoke a sense of home and happiness.
• Effortless Weeknight Dinner: With straightforward ingredients and simple, easy-to-follow steps, this casserole is a dream come true for busy weeknights. The minimal active cooking time means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. Plus, many components can be prepped in advance!
• A Potluck & Family Gathering Favorite: You know how it goes at potlucks – everyone secretly judges which dish disappears first. Bring this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole, and watch it vanish! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. You’ll never have to worry about bringing home leftovers from a gathering again.
• Hearty & Wholesome: This casserole is packed with protein from the ground beef and satisfying carbohydrates from the hashbrowns, making it a complete and filling meal on its own. It’s substantial enough to feed a hungry crowd, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling full and content.
• Customizable to Your Taste: While the recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily add extra vegetables for more nutrition, switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile, or adjust the seasonings to match your family’s preferences, making it uniquely yours.

What Makes Our Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Unique?

While many hashbrown casseroles exist, our version distinguishes itself through its thoughtfully prepared ground beef layer. Instead of a bland, afterthought meat addition, we create a rich, seasoned filling with dry onion soup mix and water that infuses incredible depth of flavor throughout the entire dish. This savory beef layer acts as the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy potatoes, ensuring every forkful is perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. This careful attention to the beef filling is what truly transforms a classic side dish into a substantial, delightful, and complete main course that stands out from the rest.

More Mind-Blowing & Shareable Casserole Recipes!

If you love the ease and deliciousness of casseroles, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes that are perfect for sharing and will surely impress at your next gathering. From hearty weeknight dinners to unique potluck contributions, these recipes are designed to be both simple and incredibly flavorful:

• Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole: A playful twist on a fast-food favorite, transformed into a comforting casserole.
• Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Mayo: While not a casserole, this fresh and flavorful salad makes a great accompaniment to any hearty meal.
• Runza Casserole: Inspired by the classic Runza sandwich, this casserole is packed with seasoned beef and cabbage.
• Southwestern Chicken Egg Roll Casserole: A vibrant, flavorful casserole that brings the delicious tastes of a Southwestern egg roll into an easy-to-bake dish.

What Do I Need to Make This Delicious Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole?

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful casserole. You’ll find most of these staples readily available in your pantry or local grocery store. A few simple, high-quality ingredients are all it takes to bring this comforting dish to life:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: We recommend a leaner blend (like 85/15 or 90/10) to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy, though any ground beef will work if properly drained.
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix: This is the secret ingredient that truly elevates the flavor of the ground beef, giving it an amazing savory depth.
• 1/2 cup water: Used to help the onion soup mix dissolve and create a flavorful sauce for the beef.
• 1 (30 oz) package frozen hashbrowns (shredded): The foundation of our cheesy potato layer. While you can use them frozen, a slight thaw can make them easier to mix.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Cheddar is classic for its sharp, melty goodness. You’ll use some in the potato mixture and the rest for a golden, bubbly top layer. Feel free to use sharp or mild, depending on your preference.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: The quintessential binding agent for many casseroles, providing a creamy, rich base.
• 1/2 cup of sour cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the potato layer.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Another key seasoning that gives the cheesy hashbrowns a delicious aromatic kick.

Step by Step Instructions: Crafting Your Ultimate Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Creating this delicious and satisfying Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is surprisingly simple. Just follow these detailed steps to ensure every layer is perfect and your casserole bakes to golden perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends!

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Beef: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, carefully drain off any excess fat. Return the perfectly browned and lean meat to the skillet. Stir in the packet of dry onion soup mix and add 1/2 cup of water, simmering gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to absorb the savory liquid. Set aside.

2. Prepare Potato Mixture: In a generously sized mixing bowl, add the frozen shredded hashbrowns, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the entire can of cream of mushroom soup, the 1/2 cup of sour cream, ¾ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the hashbrowns are evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture. This ensures every bite of your cheesy potato layer is bursting with flavor.

3. Layer the Base: Add a little more than half of the prepared potato mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Ensure the bottom of the pan is completely covered from edge to edge with an even layer; this forms the essential and delicious base of your casserole. Remember to reserve a good portion of the potato mix for the top layer.

4. Add Ground Beef Layer: Next, carefully spread all of your seasoned ground beef filling evenly over the hashbrown base. Make sure it forms a consistent layer across the entire dish to ensure balanced flavor in every serving of your finished casserole.

5. Top with Potatoes & Bake (Covered): Now, with the remaining potato mixture, evenly drop spoonfuls over the ground beef layer, ensuring good coverage. Don’t worry about perfect smoothness; the little peaks will brown beautifully. Cover the pan securely with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The foil helps to steam the hashbrowns and ensures they cook through without drying out, creating a tender, creamy potato layer.

6. Uncover & Final Bake: Once the initial baking time is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Discard the foil and generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through with a golden-brown top. This final bake creates that irresistible crispy, cheesy crust everyone loves.

This straightforward recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your casserole game and introduce a delightful new twist to your repertoire of classic comfort foods! Serve it warm, perhaps with a vibrant side of steamed vegetables, for the ultimate comforting meal experience that will satisfy the whole family.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

To ensure your Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole turns out perfectly every time, with the ideal creamy texture and rich flavor, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Thaw Your Hashbrowns (Optional but Recommended): While you can use frozen hashbrowns directly, gently thawing them beforehand (even just for 30 minutes on the counter) can make them easier to mix with the other ingredients and ensure a more even texture in the final casserole. If thawing, gently squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
• Properly Drain the Ground Beef: Don’t skip draining the fat from your ground beef! Excess grease can make your casserole oily and less appealing. Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) can help minimize this issue. Use a colander to drain thoroughly after browning.
• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all the ingredients for the potato mixture are well combined. Every hashbrown shred should be coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness. This is key to achieving that consistent, rich flavor throughout the casserole.
• Don’t Overbake: While you want the cheese to be bubbly and melted, overbaking can lead to dry hashbrowns and a tough texture. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes, removing it once the cheese is golden and the edges are slightly browned.
• Let it Rest: After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it much easier to serve clean, appealing portions and preventing it from falling apart.

Variations & Substitutions for Your Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

One of the best things about a main dish casserole is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize your Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole to suit your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. These variations can add new dimensions of flavor and texture:

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by stirring in a can of drained corn, peas, or diced green beans into the ground beef mixture. You could also sauté finely diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the ground beef for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Cheese, Please!: Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, a sharp provolone, or even a spicy Pepper Jack can add a new dimension to the flavor profile. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top during the last few minutes of baking adds a delightful savory crust.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture, or even some finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for a zesty kick.
• Cream Soup Alternatives: If cream of mushroom isn’t your favorite, or if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor, feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Any ‘cream of’ condensed soup will work well as a binder.
• Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner version of this casserole. Just ensure they are seasoned well to maintain flavor. For a smoky twist, try adding some cooked, crumbled bacon to the top potato layer before baking, or mix it into the beef.
• Topping Ideas for Extra Crunch: For an irresistible crispy top, consider sprinkling some crushed cornflakes, crispy fried onions (like French’s), or even some panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Family Meal

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal in itself, but a few simple and fresh sides can round out your dinner beautifully, adding color, texture, and additional nutrients:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. It’s an easy way to add some fresh greens to your meal.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: As seen in the image, vibrant steamed broccoli, tender green beans, asparagus, or even roasted carrots are excellent choices for a healthy and colorful side dish that complements the casserole’s flavors.
• Warm Bread or Dinner Rolls: A basket of warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices or simply serving alongside for a satisfying bite.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can offer another refreshing element, cutting through the richness of the casserole beautifully.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions for Convenience

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for meal prepping or making ahead for a party. Here’s how to manage it for maximum ease:

• To Make Ahead: You can easily assemble the entire casserole (up to step 5, before adding the final cheese and the uncovered bake) a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while your oven preheats, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time to ensure it heats through properly before proceeding with adding the cheese and baking uncovered.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before storing to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: To reheat individual portions, the microwave works well. For a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, loosely cover with foil to prevent drying, and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through (approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount).
• Freezing: This casserole freezes remarkably well! Assemble the casserole (again, up to step 5, before the final cheese and uncovered bake), cover tightly with aluminum foil, and then add an additional layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, replace the foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbling. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making this delicious hamburger hashbrown casserole:

• Do I need to thaw the hashbrowns before mixing? While it’s not strictly necessary, gently thawing them slightly (for about 30 minutes on the counter) can make them easier to mix evenly with the other ingredients and result in a more uniform casserole texture. If using them frozen, just make sure to break them up as much as possible before combining them with the other ingredients to avoid large clumps.
• Can I use a different type of cream soup? Absolutely! Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cream of potato soup are all excellent substitutes for cream of mushroom soup. Each will give a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile to your casserole.
• What kind of ground beef is best for this casserole? We recommend using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess fat in the final dish. If you use a fattier blend, be sure to drain the grease very thoroughly after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
• Can I add other vegetables to the ground beef layer? Yes, definitely! Finely diced onions, bell peppers (any color), or even a handful of frozen peas or corn can be sautéed with the ground beef or stirred into the beef mixture for added flavor, texture, and nutrition. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
• How do I make the top hashbrown layer extra crispy? For an irresistibly crispy top, after removing the foil and adding the cheese, you can sprinkle a thin layer of crushed cornflakes mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter, or some French fried onions, over the top before the final 10-15 minute bake. This adds a fantastic textural contrast.
• Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, it is! You can assemble the casserole (without the final cheese topping) and freeze it unbaked, or bake it completely and then freeze leftovers. See our “Make Ahead & Storage Instructions” section above for detailed freezing and reheating guidelines.

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

This easy cheesy hamburger hashbrown casserole starts with a cheesy hashbrown casserole base, sometimes known as funeral potatoes, sandwiching a hearty and flavorful ground beef filling for an easy main dish casserole recipe that will become a family favorite.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 459kcal

Author: A H

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 30 oz package frozen hashbrowns (shredded)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a skillet, brown the ground beef, drain off the fat, and return the meat to the skillet. Add the packet of dry onion soup mix, and stir in 1/2 cup of water.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the hashbrowns, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, pepper and garlic powder. Stir this well to make sure it’s all combined.
• Add a little more than half of the potato mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish. You’ll want to make sure the bottom of the pan is completely covered, but still have some potatoes left to put on top.
• Next, add all the ground beef.
• Evenly drop the remaining potatoes by spoonfuls over the ground beef. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45- 50 minutes.
• When the timer goes off, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Recommended Products

9X13 Casserole Pan

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 977mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

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