Easy Family Dinner

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Simple one-dish meal layering seasoned ground beef with cheesy hash browns. Great for feeding a family.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:40 GMT
A slice of cheesy shepherd's pie with ground beef and mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped green onions, on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of cheesy shepherd's pie with ground beef and mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped green onions, on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

My journey with this hamburger hash brown casserole started during a busy sports season when I needed quick reliable dinners. Now it's become our favorite comfort food fix bringing warmth and smiles to our table. The way the cheese melts into those crispy hash browns is pure magic.

Pure Comfort Made Easy

Some nights call for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. This casserole answers that call beautifully. I love watching my family's faces light up when they smell it baking knowing dinner will be cozy and delicious.

What You Need

  • Ground Beef: 1 pound makes it satisfying and hearty.
  • Hash Browns: 4 cups of frozen golden goodness.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups for that perfect melt.
  • Milk: 1 cup creates creamy dreamy texture.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons because everything's better with butter.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can brings it all together.
A baked casserole dish topped with melted cheddar cheese and green onions. Pin it
A baked casserole dish topped with melted cheddar cheese and green onions. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Get Cooking

Start with the Basics
Get that oven warming and brown your beef until it's perfect.
Layer of Love
Mix those hash browns with all the creamy goodness spread it over the beef.
Cheese Please
That final layer of cheese is what dreams are made of.
Time to Bake
Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I switch up the soups for different flavors my family loves cream of mushroom best. Sharp cheddar gives it extra bite and Monterey Jack makes it extra melty.

Plan Ahead Magic

This casserole is my secret weapon for busy weeks. I make two at once freeze one for later. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing and thaw it overnight when ready to enjoy.

A slice of layered casserole with ground beef, creamy filling, and a top layer of melted cheese, garnished with chopped green onions on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of layered casserole with ground beef, creamy filling, and a top layer of melted cheese, garnished with chopped green onions on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

The Perfect Meal

A crisp green salad on the side makes this dinner complete. My kids love it with garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Simply Satisfying

There's something about this casserole that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Maybe it's the crispy edges or the gooey center either way it never disappoints.

Family Fun

My little ones love helping layer the ingredients. Even the pickiest eaters clean their plates when this casserole hits the table.

Helpful Hints

If you notice your casserole getting dry just add a splash more milk. A quick minute under the broiler gives you those irresistible golden brown spots on top.

A cheesy casserole topped with green onions and featuring layers of ground beef and potatoes is presented in a white baking dish. Pin it
A cheesy casserole topped with green onions and featuring layers of ground beef and potatoes is presented in a white baking dish. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different soups?

Yes, try cream of mushroom, onion or cheddar cheese soup for variety.

→ Should I thaw hash browns?

No need to thaw, frozen hash browns work perfectly in this recipe.

→ Can I make ahead?

Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add extra time when baking from cold.

→ Why drain the beef?

Draining fat prevents casserole from becoming greasy.

→ Can I freeze this?

Yes, wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Conclusion

A delicious and easy casserole that combines seasoned ground beef with cheesy hash browns, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole

A comforting casserole combining ground beef, hash browns and cheese in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1½ pounds ground beef.
02 20 ounces frozen hash browns.
03 ½ cup butter, melted.
04 2 cups shredded cheddar.
05 10 ounces cream of chicken soup.
06 1 cup milk.
07 Green onions for garnish.
08 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Brown ground beef and drain fat. Spread in 9x13 dish.

Step 03

Combine hash browns, milk, soup, butter and 1½ cups cheese.

Step 04

Pour hash brown mix over beef, top with remaining cheese.

Step 05

Bake 1 hour until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  1. Can use different cream soups.
  2. Optional: garnish with green onions.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 711
  • Total Fat: 49 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 40 g