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Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 131 reviews

This Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining crispy hash brown potatoes with savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a cheesy brown gravy topping. Baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy French-fried onions, this casserole makes for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Potato Layer

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

Beef 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 Browns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, canola oil, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the potatoes with oil and seasoning. Press this mixture firmly into a greased 8-inch square baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are thawed completely and set firm.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking it into small crumbles, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Make the Gravy and Vegetable Mix: To the cooked beef in the saucepan, add the water, brown gravy mix, and garlic salt. Stir together and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 minutes to thicken the gravy. Then add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and heated through.
  4. Combine Beef Mixture with Potatoes: Stir half of the French-fried onions and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour this savory mixture evenly over the baked hash brown layer in the baking dish.
  5. Bake and Add Toppings: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Then sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions and shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the topping is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Feel free to use fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or corn instead of frozen mixed vegetables.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-sodium gravy mix to make this dish healthier.