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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

By: Melissa Coleman Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025 This post may contain affiliate links.



Cheese, ground beef, and shredded hash browns come together in this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole, creating a delightful and satisfying dish. It's an ideal dinner choice for any day of the week.


A cheesy, ground beef recipe that is creamy and delicious and perfect for dinner tonight. A recipe that the whole family is going to love!

Hamburger Hash Brown Cassrole with some put on a separate dish.



Having a busy weekday schedule means quick-fix dinners are a must. Busy moms and dads mean busy nights and having an easy meal is always a great idea.


If you have kids you know what I mean, but even if you don't have kids there are plenty of nights when you don't want to cook a full meal with sides.

Sure we could run out and grab fast food but it's still cheaper and better for you to cook meals at home. That is the beauty of these easy casseroles.


Some of the easiest and cheapest dinners are one-dish meals and we are certainly a fan of them in our family.


I hope that this delicious recipe will become a new family favorite for you too.

What's in this post?

  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Simple ingredients you will need
  • Recommended Tools
  • How to make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
  • Serving and Pairing Suggestions
  • Frequently Asked Questions



Why you'll love this recipe!

  • Convenience: Casseroles are a convenient way to make a one-dish meal that can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for busy weeknights or for meal prep.

  • Comfort food: Hamburger hashbrown casserole is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by many people. It's warm, hearty, and satisfying.

  • Versatility: Ground beef hashbrown casserole can be customized with different ingredients and spices, so you can make it your own. You can add vegetables, cheese, or other proteins to create a dish that suits your tastes.

  • Crowd-pleaser: Hamburger hash brown casserole is a dish that is sure to please a crowd. It's easy to make in large quantities, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or parties.

  • Leftovers: It makes great leftovers that can be enjoyed for days after it's made. It's a great way to stretch your food budget and save time on meal prep.



Ingredients you will need for this easy recipe:

  • 2 lbs. ground chuck hamburger (you can use lean ground beef if you prefer) - This is the main protein source in the casserole. It adds flavor, richness, and substance to the dish. Ground chuck hamburger typically has a higher fat content compared to lean ground beef, which can enhance the flavor and moisture of the casserole.

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese - we use mild cheddar (plus extra optional) - Cheese is a classic ingredient in many casseroles. In this case, mild cheddar cheese is used, which provides a creamy texture and a rich, cheesy flavor. It also forms a delicious crust when baked.

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) - This is a common ingredient in casseroles as it serves as a thickening agent and adds creaminess and flavor to the dish. In this recipe, it contributes a savory, chicken-flavored element to the casserole. You could also substitute this for cream of mushroom if you prefer.

  • 1 cup milk - Milk is often used in casseroles to create a creamy and smooth texture. It helps to combine the other ingredients and distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.

  • ½ cup butter (melted) - Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole.

  • 1 package of hash browns (20 oz, thawed) - Hash browns are a key component of this casserole. They provide the "hashbrown" element, which is a popular and comforting breakfast food. They also add texture and substance to the dish.

  • salt & black pepper to taste - These are common seasonings used to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole. They help balance the richness and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.



Recommended Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Meat Chopper
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • 9x13 Casserole Dish



How to make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

First, you want to start off by browning your hamburger meat in a large skillet on medium heat, and go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.


If you like to season your ground beef while cooking we enjoy this homemade taco seasoning.


Mix together in a large bowl the cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper, then add the hash browns.



Once you have all of this thoroughly mixed, layer the browned hamburger meat in a 9x13 pan and spread the mixture on top of the burger.




You can add extra cheese on top of the casserole dish if you choose at this point and then cook in your preheated oven for approximately 1 hour.

The dish will be ready when your potatoes are golden brown.





I will be honest when I say this dish doesn't look fancy and is quite hard to photograph but it is certainly a tasty one that you won't want to miss out on trying.


I feel like it is a great addition to any meal planning menu and it is more or less easy on the grocery budget.

Not a ground beef lover?

No problem... The best thing about casseroles, in general, is that they pretty much all have a few basic ingredients.


You can even use this basic hashbrown casserole with meat recipe and change up the meat to your desired preference.


All casseroles contain...

  • the main ingredient
  • secondary ingredients
  • a starch
  • a binder
  • and a topping

The main ingredient is usually some type of protein like hamburger meat, chicken, or tuna.


There are lots of options for a secondary ingredient, you can just pick your favorite vegetable but here are a few extra ideas for ingredients you can add or adjust in this recipe.

  • red peppers
  • green beans
  • diced onions (or you could add in onion powder)
  • peas

The starch is simple enough to add, pick something like potatoes (tater tots), pasta, or rice, and choose a binder such as cream of chicken plus a little extra milk, sour cream, or water so it's not too dry.


The last is topping it with something delicious like cheese or crackers.


A simple formula to have quick and easy meals just the way you like.

A great way to create the best combination that works for your family.



Serving and Pairing Suggestions

  • Salad: Serve a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or ranch dressing on the side. The crispness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.

  • Steamed Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, make a great side dish. They add color, nutrition, and a bit of crunch to your meal.

  • Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve some warm garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side to mop up the delicious sauce from the casserole.



Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook this Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! First, you will want to brown the ground beef mixture and drain. Then mix all the ingredients, including the beef, and cook in the crockpot on high for approximately 3 hours or on low for around 6 hours. Top with your leftover cheese at the last 5 minutes of cooking time.


What should I serve with this Cheesy Ground Beef and Hashbrown Casserole?

Because this dish is very filling we usually either eat it as a one-dish style of meal or we will serve it with a simple refreshing side salad.


Can I use frozen hashbrowns instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen hashbrowns instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using them in the casserole.


Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.


Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.



More Ground Beef Recipes:

  • Homemade Beef Stroganoff
  • Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
  • Southern Meatloaf Recipe
  • Copycat Wendy's Chili
  • Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • Easy Crescent Taco Bake
  • Amazing Summer Burger Recipes
  • Homemade Salisbury Steak
  • Mexican Picadillo
  • Lazy Summer Dinner Ideas

Hamburger Hash Brown Cassrole with some put on a separate dish.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Melissa Coleman
A cheesy, ground beef recipe that is creamy and delicious and perfect for dinner tonight.
4.45 from 450 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Main Dish Recipes
Servings 1 Casserole

Equipment

  • Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Casserole Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. hamburger
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping, optional
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 1 package of hash browns 20oz
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Brown hamburger meat.
  • Mix cheese, soup, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper together then add in the hash browns.
  • Once you have all of this mixed, layer the hamburger in a 9x13 pan and then spread the mixture on top of the burger.
  • Top with more cheese if you desire and cook at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 16gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 656mg
Want even more?Follow @todayscreativeideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.45 from 450 votes (450 ratings without comment)

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  1. Julie says

    December 19, 2024 at 5:16 pm

    I actually used dry ranch seasoning with the meat ..half turkey and half hamburger, alittle healthy. It was delicious.

    Reply
  2. Pat says

    June 13, 2023 at 10:55 am

    I made this dish. I would change by not putting the hamburger on the bottom as it came out very dry. It’s best mixed in with the other ingredients. Using larger frozen potatoes: also would use cream of mushroom in place of cream of chicken.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      June 13, 2023 at 11:18 am

      Basically what you are describing is my Tater Tot Casserole. It's delicious too but different recipes.

      Reply
  3. Patti says

    February 13, 2023 at 8:57 pm

    the oven temp was because my hubby was delayed on coming home.

    Reply
  4. Patti says

    February 13, 2023 at 8:39 pm

    I used cream of mushroom soup and baked it in 200 degree oven. Excellent recipe.

    Reply
  5. Kathy Brudos says

    January 09, 2023 at 6:58 pm

    So I made this recipe,It had a good flavor but turned out like water. Why? I did everything it said to do

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      January 10, 2023 at 9:20 am

      Turned out like water? Hmmm, did you use frozen hashbrowns? That is the only thing I can think of that might have happened that added more moisture to the dish. This recipe calls for the hashbrowns to be thawed.

      Reply
  6. Evelyn says

    August 07, 2022 at 8:34 am

    Ok I saw this recipe and thought it looked like it would be delicious & quick. The first time I try a new recipe I always follow the directions and then if I make again add in some things or switch some ingredients. Well I have not yet made this recipe, but I had a thought to make this for breakfast. I did follow the recipe for the measurements, but switched some of them. I used breakfast sausage for the meat and white country gravy for the soup. I made eggs to serve with it and it was a big hit. If you wanted you could make biscuits too.
    In the next week or two I'll try the recipe with hamburger. I am sure it will be just as delicious.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 07, 2022 at 9:52 am

      There are definitely all kinds of ways you can switch up this casserole and make it your own.

      Reply
  7. Lorien Rodriguez says

    June 23, 2022 at 1:53 am

    Have your tried browning the hash browns first? We like ours really crispy and don’t feel like they’ll get the level of crispy we like in the oven alone. I will be trying this over the weekend.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      June 23, 2022 at 8:57 am

      I have not but you definitely could do that if you like them extra crispy.

      Reply
  8. Angela says

    February 03, 2022 at 7:12 am

    If I don’t have milk could I substitute with sour cream? Can’t wait to try!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      February 03, 2022 at 9:11 am

      Yes, sour cream would work as a substitute for the milk. You would want to use the same ratio 1:1.

      Reply
  9. Tris DeBryne says

    December 27, 2021 at 10:38 am

    Love this recipe! My picky husband even ate left overs for lunch the next day. I did add a half a cup of onions that I cooked with the hamburger. Quick, easy, delicious!

    Reply
  10. Lou says

    November 29, 2021 at 9:27 pm

    Made this recipe with 1 pound of ground beef and O’Brien potatoes. It was DELICIOUS! My family really enjoyed it. Could possibly cut back on the butter, but it was very good as is! Appreciate the recipe for doing something new with hamburger. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Liz says

    November 26, 2021 at 6:24 pm

    I’ve ended up sprinkling my hamburger with some ranch seasoning (maybe about half a packet-more or less depending on taste) I also chop up a few mushrooms really finely and cook with the hamburger and some garlic. I also use cream of mushroom instead of chicken. My husband, my kid and myself LOVE it. I do let it sit and settle for a good 15 minutes otherwise it’s a little gooey and I use a 1/4 cup of butter instead of a 1/2 cup to cut down on grease. I also cook it a little longer than the recipe calls for—it helps make it brown a little more.

    Thanks for this simple recipe! It’s become a easy and no fuss family favorite.

    Reply
  12. Robyn says

    November 07, 2021 at 5:07 pm

    I don't have any hashbrowns, can I make this using shredded potatoes?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 08, 2021 at 11:01 am

      Yes, you can.

      Reply
  13. Jenny says

    October 28, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    How long do I need to cook this if making a half batch in an 8x8 glass pan?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      October 29, 2021 at 8:48 am

      Jenny, I can't really give you an accurate time because I never cook mine like that. However, you just want to cook it until your hashbrowns are done. So depending on whether you use frozen or already thawed it will affect your cook time. My best guess would be around 30-45 mins. Start keeping an eye on it around the 25 min mark and once they are golden brown the dish will be ready.

      Reply
  14. Maebeth says

    October 14, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    I’m making this as a write,I only had 16 oz potatoes, but I added green and yellow peppers and 1 onion and a little worcheshire sauce,I can’t wait to eat it my kitchen smells wonderful

    Reply
  15. Amy says

    September 20, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    I am going to make this tonight for supper. Do you cover it while cooking it?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      September 27, 2021 at 8:18 am

      No, you want your hashbrowns to brown, and covering them will try to prevent that from happening.

      Reply
  16. Angie says

    September 09, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    This recipe is so delicious! My husband and I just LOVE it! Easy to make...it's a hearty stick to your ribs kind of meal! Thank you 😊 ❤️ I'm putting the picture I took of this yummy meal on Pinterest for all to see 😋

    Reply
  17. Mark says

    July 17, 2021 at 11:09 am

    I used a bag of southern style o'brien potatoes with onion and green pepper because that's what I had on hand. Your recipe was amazing. I've always used sausage in my breakfast casseroles. Your recipe has convinced me to switch. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  18. Chelsea says

    March 11, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    Can I make this without the butter?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      March 13, 2021 at 2:22 pm

      Yes, you can just leave it out.

      Reply
  19. Christie says

    March 03, 2021 at 12:37 am

    I added riced broccoli and it was delicious!!

    Reply
  20. Barbara says

    February 01, 2021 at 1:34 pm

    Do you think it would be good with cheddar cheese soup instead of cream of chicken

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      February 01, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      Barbara, I have never had cheddar cheese soup so I couldn't really say for sure but sometimes you just have to try it and see how it goes. If you decide to let me know how it turns out.

      Reply
  21. Kristie says

    January 18, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    Do the hash browns need to be thawed?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      January 18, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      Yes, I typically use a package of simply potatoes hashbrowns as they are already thawed.

      Reply
  22. Teresa says

    August 16, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    Do you use frozen hashbrowns or are they thawed?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 18, 2020 at 1:43 pm

      You can use either, you will just need to cook your thawed ones a little less time than the frozen.

      Reply
  23. Patti Goodman says

    August 13, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    This sounds so yum! I want to make this tonight, but I don't have ANY type of can cream soup because I don't really care for them and my car is in the shop, so I can't buy any!! Is there anything I could sub for the soup??

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 14, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Yes, you can substitute a can of cream of chicken with a cup of sour cream. It will change the flavor slightly but will still be great.

      Reply
  24. Pamela says

    July 29, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    I have a question about freezing. There are two other comments and the second answer I read sort of confused me. It is obvious that the ground beef should be cooked before assembling the casserole and freezing it. Where the two answers seemed to contradict one another (in my comprehension) was whether the casserole should be fully cooked before freezing. Thus the casserole would simply be reheated.
    Can I complete all the steps up to placing it in the oven and then freeze it? When ready to eat it could be thawed and then cooked?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      July 29, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      Pamela, you can freeze the dish either before you bake it or after it has come out of the oven and cooled. If you do decide to bake it first, do not bake it for the full time. Bake about 10 minutes less and allow it to cool completely before freezing. This will prevent the casserole from overcooking when you reheat it.

      Reply
  25. Monica says

    April 08, 2020 at 12:38 am

    What size can of cream of chicken do you use? Small or large?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      April 08, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      Just the regular-sized smaller can, I believe it is 10.5 ozs.

      Reply
  26. Denise says

    October 09, 2019 at 10:05 pm

    I made this, except I added onion, and used cubed frozen Idaho hashbrowns. Delicious!

    Reply
  27. Annie says

    May 28, 2019 at 9:51 pm

    Anyone ever try it with green chili in it? I would think it would work but no sure.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      May 29, 2019 at 10:26 am

      Annie,

      We haven't because we aren't big into anything spicy but I bet that it would work out fine if you wanted to give it a go.

      Reply
  28. Claire Tuttle says

    May 26, 2019 at 6:44 pm

    So good! Used cream of mushroom soup and also threw in a can of mushrooms and some sautéed onions with some adobo seasoning.

    Reply
  29. Kelly says

    April 09, 2019 at 8:13 pm

    Could you put it together the night before and bake the next day??

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      April 10, 2019 at 3:13 pm

      Kelly, yes, you can definitely do that.

      Reply
  30. Sam says

    April 08, 2019 at 6:02 am

    Package of hashbrowns? Weight, please!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      April 08, 2019 at 8:31 am

      Sam, the majority of the hashbrown packages are around 20 - 26 ounces, either will work fine.

      Reply
  31. Naomi says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:29 pm

    Can the casserole be frozen for later? How would you reheat it from frozen?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      March 14, 2019 at 3:10 pm

      Naomi,

      Yes, you can. For best results, you will want to thaw it prior to cooking. When you are ready to eat then just let it fully defrost in the fridge and cook according to regular recipe directions. I wouldn't keep it longer than 2 or 3 months in the freezer though.

      Reply
      • Naomi says

        March 14, 2019 at 3:32 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
  32. Jennie says

    September 11, 2017 at 10:47 am

    I made this but used cream of onion instead of cream of chicken. It turned out great!

    Reply
  33. Patty says

    April 05, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    Am always trying casserole recipes. This one is definitely a KEEPER!!!! I added about 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder and a Tablespoon of Worchestershire sauce to the browned hamburger. I sprinkled about half a small can of French fried onions over the top. Soooooo very good! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa Coleman says

      April 06, 2016 at 10:17 am

      Ohhh I have never tried it with some french fried onions over it. Thanks Patty I will try that next time! I love a little crunch. 🙂

      Reply
  34. Sue McGee says

    June 03, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Thanks so much! Making this tonight!!

    Reply
  35. Susan says

    May 11, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    I used the Ore-Ida Potatoes O'Brien instead of hash browns. It was FABulous!! One of my husband's new favorites!

    Reply
    • Melissa Coleman says

      May 12, 2015 at 12:16 pm

      Awesome! I will have to try it with those sometime too. 🙂

      Reply

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Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect quick and easy dinner to throw together on a busy night. It will hit the spot!

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