Are you searching for a hassle-free, mouth-watering dinner that promises to satisfy everyone at the table? Look no further than this incredibly simple Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole recipe. It’s the quintessential easy casserole, a true comfort food classic designed for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious without all the fuss. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation, earning rave reviews with every forkful.

The timeless combination of savory meat and hearty potatoes is a crowd-pleaser any time of year. While often associated with cooler weather, this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole defies seasonal boundaries. It’s just as comforting on a chilly autumn evening as it is a satisfying option during a relaxed summer gathering. Its versatility makes it an ideal candidate for your monthly meal planning, offering consistent deliciousness regardless of the season.

Why This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Will Be Your Go-To Dish

This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a culinary gem that brings incredible flavor with minimal effort. Here’s what makes this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole an absolute winner:

• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease of preparation and rich, satisfying taste. It’s designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal time and fuss in the kitchen.
• Ideal for Busy Evenings: With its straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this casserole is a lifesaver on those hectic nights when cooking a gourmet meal feels impossible. It allows you to put a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table even when time is tight.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Featuring common pantry staples like ground beef, hashbrowns, and condensed soup, this recipe uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have on hand. It’s a smart choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
• Perfect One-Dish Wonder: If you appreciate the convenience of one-pan or one-dish meals, this casserole is tailor-made for you. It minimizes cleanup, making post-dinner tasks a breeze. All the deliciousness is packed into a single baking dish!

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Crafting this delightful casserole begins with a handful of accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, creamy, and savory profile that makes this dish so irresistible.

You’ll find the precise quantities for each ingredient listed in the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this post. Here’s a quick overview of the stars of our show:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of our casserole, providing a hearty, savory base. We recommend a lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease.
• Yellow Onion: Diced and cooked with the beef, it adds a crucial layer of aromatic flavor and sweetness.
• Shredded Hashbrown Potatoes: These create the comforting, tender potato layer. Be sure to thaw them beforehand for best results – a key tip we’ll elaborate on!
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Grated and mixed throughout, it melts into creamy goodness, adding a subtle kick of spice.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic casserole ingredient provides a rich, umami-packed creaminess that binds everything together.
• Sour Cream: For extra tang and luxurious smoothness, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the sauce.
• Milk: Helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency, ensuring it coats all the ingredients beautifully.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and potatoes.
• Creole Seasoning: Our secret weapon for a burst of vibrant, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that truly elevates the dish.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Grated and sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly, and utterly irresistible cheese crust.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Casserole

Creating this magnificent Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, bubbling, cheesy masterpiece every time. While this section provides a comprehensive overview, remember that the most detailed instructions and precise measurements are available in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Meat: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, add your ground beef and finely diced yellow onion to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. The onion will soften and release its sweet aroma, infusing the beef with flavor. Once cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent your casserole from becoming oily.
2. Combine the Filling: Transfer the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Now, it’s time to bring the creamy, cheesy elements together. Add the thawed shredded hashbrowns, grated pepper jack cheese, a can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and creole seasoning to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce. This ensures every bite of your casserole is packed with flavor.
3. Bake the Casserole Base: Spoon the ground beef and hashbrown mixture evenly into an 11×7-inch casserole dish. Spread it out so it forms a consistent layer. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling invitingly around the edges and appears set in the center. This initial bake allows the flavors to meld and the hashbrowns to become tender.
4. Add the Final Cheese Layer and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. This creates a delectable, crispy cheese crust that adds another layer of texture and flavor. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

Chef’s Tip: For the best texture and reduced cooking time, it is highly recommended to thaw your shredded hashbrowns completely before mixing them into the casserole. Thawed hashbrowns integrate more smoothly into the mixture, ensuring even cooking and preventing a watery or mushy result.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Boost Your Veggies: Stir in a can of drained green beans, frozen peas, or corn along with the hashbrowns for added nutrition and color. Diced red peppers or sautéed mushrooms also make wonderful additions.
• Soup Swap: Not a fan of mushroom soup? No problem! Substitute the cream of mushroom with a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese, Please!: While pepper jack and Colby Jack offer a great flavor combination, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend would work beautifully.
• Leaner Meat Option: If your ground beef is particularly lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet before cooking to prevent sticking and add a little richness.
• Amplify the Flavor: For an extra layer of savory depth, sprinkle in a teaspoon of onion powder or garlic powder with your seasonings. A dash of Worcestershire sauce will also add a wonderful umami note.
• Potato Alternatives: Don’t have hashbrowns? Tater tots can be a fun and delicious substitute. Simply arrange them on top or mix them in for a crispy twist.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a pleasant warmth. Don’t forget a grind of fresh black pepper if preferred.
• Alternative Proteins: For a lighter take or if you prefer poultry, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, ground venison also works exceptionally well in this hearty casserole.

Join Our Community!

We love connecting with our readers! If you enjoy our recipes, please consider joining our growing community. You can find more delicious ideas and connect with fellow food lovers by visiting and liking The Cagle Diaries on Facebook. Your support helps us create more amazing content!

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

Preparing this casserole requires only a few basic kitchen tools, making it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned chef. We believe in keeping things simple and efficient in the kitchen!

You’ll primarily need a large 12-inch skillet for browning the meat, some versatile mixing bowls for combining ingredients, and an 11×7-inch casserole dish for baking. That’s it! Occasionally, we include affiliate links in our recipe card to products we use and recommend, allowing us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work in bringing you delicious recipes.

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• Large 12″ Skillet
• Glass Mixing Bowls
• Baking Dish (11″x7″)

Discover More Comforting Casserole Recipes

If you’re a fan of easy, hearty, and satisfying casserole dishes, you’re in the right place! We have a treasure trove of other family-favorite casserole recipes that we think you’ll adore. From breakfast bakes to savory dinners, these dishes are designed to bring comfort and convenience to your kitchen.

• Hobo Casserole
• Chicken and Waffle Casserole
• Crawfish Casserole
• Bisquick Breakfast Bake

And there are even more options to explore:

• John Wayne Casserole
• Big Mac Casserole
• Loaded Green Bean Casserole
• Jalapeno Popper Tater Tot Casserole

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying easy lunches. Proper storage ensures its freshness and flavor. Once the casserole has completely cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated evenly throughout. For larger portions, a splash of milk or broth can help keep it moist during reheating. We do not recommend freezing this casserole due to the hashbrowns, which can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes & Expert Tips

Feeding a Crowd? If you’re hosting a larger gathering or simply want more delicious leftovers, this recipe can easily be doubled! A doubled batch will fit perfectly into a standard 13×9-inch casserole dish. Just ensure your cooking time is adjusted slightly, as a larger volume might require a few extra minutes in the oven.

Always make sure your ground beef is thoroughly browned and drained. This step is crucial for the flavor and texture of your casserole. Don’t be afraid to press the meat against the side of the skillet to squeeze out any excess fat. Remember the importance of thawing your hashbrowns for a cohesive and perfectly textured final dish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’ve tried this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below how it turned out – we absolutely love hearing from our readers!

If you loved this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and daily kitchen inspiration!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

A tasty hamburger hashbrown casserole, with a cheesy, mushroom flavored gravy. Perfect for a hearty family meal.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Author: Melanie Cagle

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• ½ Each Yellow Onion, small, diced
• 15 Ounces Shredded Hashbrown Potatoes, thawed
• 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese, grated
• 10 Ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
• ¾ Cup Sour Cream
• ¼ Cup Milk
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
• ½ Cup Colby Jack Cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion, shredded hashbrowns, pepper jack cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and creole seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Empty the mixture evenly into an 11×7-inch casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges.
5. Remove from oven, top with the remaining Colby Jack cheese, and bake again for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 674kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 117mg
• Sodium: 1402mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g