Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
Welcome to the world of delicious comfort food! The Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful dish that combines all the savory flavors you love into one hearty meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. With its layers of ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and crispy hashbrowns topped with gooey cheese, it offers a satisfying bite every time. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that brings warmth and joy to every meal.
A Personal Story Behind My Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the kitchen table for hearty meals that comforted both the body and soul. One dish that always brought back fond memories was the Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. My grandmother used to make it during family reunions, filling the house with its rich aroma. Now, I carry on that tradition by making this casserole for my own family, sharing not just a meal, but also the love and connection that comes with it. It’s a recipe that embodies togetherness and creates cherished memories.
What Makes This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Special?
This casserole stands out for its simplicity and versatility. Not only is it a one-dish meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs, but it’s also easily customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap in different cheeses, or even throw in some spices to give it your personal touch. The combination of creamy soup, savory beef, and crispy hashbrowns creates a delightful texture that is both comforting and filling. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
The Full Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20-ounce) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen peas and carrots, thawed and drained well
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper until the beef is no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and the thawed peas and carrots. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the hash browns turn golden brown on top. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
- Add the cheese: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole is incredibly versatile! You can serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or spicy sausage. You can also use different cheeses such as pepper jack for extra flavor. Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe as it stands is not gluten-free due to the cream of mushroom soup. However, you can use a gluten-free version of the soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting hamburger hashbrown casserole!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 480
- Servings: 8
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet For cooking the beef and vegetables.
- 9"x13" baking pan For baking the casserole.
- Mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 20 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots, thawed and drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and the thawed peas and carrots.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes until the hash browns turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.