There’s something so comforting about a hearty hamburger hash brown casserole that just warms the soul, don’t you think? I mean, who doesn’t love digging into a dish that combines all those wonderful flavors in one pan? It’s the kind of meal that works just as perfectly for breakfast as it does for dinner—seriously, you can’t go wrong! The crispy hash browns, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese all meld together to create a satisfying experience that’ll make everyone at the table happy. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to make it again and again. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious hamburger hash brown casserole. I love how simple and straightforward the ingredients are, making it easy to gather everything before you start cooking. Let’s get to it!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Make sure to check your pantry for any of these staples! I often keep frozen hash browns and shredded cheese on hand for last-minute meals. Trust me, it makes life a whole lot easier!
How to Prepare Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this incredible hamburger hash brown casserole! I promise it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in no time. Don’t forget to preheat your oven first; we want it nice and toasty for when we’re ready to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper over medium heat. You’ll want to cook it until the meat is browned and the veggies are nice and soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. It’ll smell amazing!
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, your cooked beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. I like to use a spatula for this; it makes it easier to fold everything together without breaking up the hash browns too much.
- Next, pour that delicious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so each bite has a little bit of everything!
- Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is set in the center and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
And there you have it! A hearty hamburger hash brown casserole that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig in, it’s always good to know what’s in your delicious hamburger hash brown casserole! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so feel free to adjust as needed for your dietary preferences. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger hash brown casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why I think you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and flavor, this dish will keep you and your loved ones full and happy. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
- Versatile Meal: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this casserole fits right in. Serve it with some fresh fruit in the morning or a side salad at dinner for a balanced meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead of time and bake it later, making it a lifesaver for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.
- Kid-Approved: The cheesy goodness and tasty beef make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
Once you try this casserole, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your hamburger hash brown casserole turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Lean Meat Option: If you want a lighter version, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. It’ll still be delicious but with a bit less fat.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can add flavor and nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Cheese Choices: While I love cheddar, you can mix it up! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge!
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier!
With these tips, you’ll be a hamburger hash brown casserole pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your hamburger hash brown casserole, you’re in for a treat! There are so many fun ways to personalize this dish and keep it exciting. Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Veggie Medley: Add in some chopped mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli for an extra nutritional boost. These veggies not only add flavor but also a lovely pop of color!
- Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some chili powder for a spicy kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack brings a nice zing, while gouda adds a smoky flavor. You could even mix two or three kinds for a cheesy extravaganza!
- Breakfast Twist: Swap out the ground beef for crumbled sausage or bacon for a breakfast-style casserole that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
These variations keep the hamburger hash brown casserole fresh and exciting, ensuring that you’ll never get bored with this delightful dish! Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Great! This hamburger hash brown casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later. To keep it fresh, simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up—this helps prevent any sogginess!
When it’s time to reheat, you can pop individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix, or if you’re feeling a bit fancy, place the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it’s warmed through. Cover it with foil if you want to prevent the top from getting too brown. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time you made it!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious hamburger hash brown casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to peel and shred the potatoes, then par-cook them a bit before mixing them into the casserole. This way, they won’t end up too crunchy.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown. If you give it a gentle shake, it shouldn’t jiggle too much. If it does, just pop it back in for a few more minutes!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to adjust your baking time if it’s cold from the fridge when you put it in the oven.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit. It’s also fantastic on its own, but a little something extra can round out the meal nicely!
Is this hamburger hash brown casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free hash browns and check your other ingredients, this dish is gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup or Hamburger Soup Recipe for a comforting twist!
Print
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole: 5 Hearty Comfort Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and satisfying hamburger hash brown casserole perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until meat is browned.
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cooked beef mixture, cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: hamburger hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, beef casserole
