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Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 128 reviews

This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family meal. Featuring layers of crispy baked hash browns, savory ground beef cooked in brown gravy, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese topped with crispy french-fried onions, it’s a satisfying casserole that blends simple ingredients into a deliciously rich and flavorful bake.

Ingredients

Potato Layer

  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Beef and Vegetable Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 envelope brown gravy mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Toppings

  • 1 can (2.8 ounces) french-fried onions, divided
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hash Brown Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, canola oil, and pepper until evenly coated. Press this mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are thawed and firmed up.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: While the hash browns bake, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring and breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
  3. Make the Gravy and Vegetable Mixture: To the cooked beef, stir in 1 cup water, the envelope of brown gravy mix, and garlic salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Stir half of the french-fried onions and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour this savory topping evenly over the baked hash brown layer in the dish.
  5. Bake and Add Final Toppings: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and sprinkle the remaining onions and cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the onions are crispy and golden.

Notes

  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with a mild or sharp variety depending on your taste preference.
  • For added creaminess, mix in a half cup of sour cream into the beef mixture before layering.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables can be customized; peas, carrots, and corn work well.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.