Savory Beef and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole – Cheesy, Hearty & Perfect for Comfort Dinners

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

• Dietary Badges: Comfort Food, Family-Friendly, One-Pan

Ingredients

• Ground beef

• Onion (chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Dried oregano

• Dried thyme

• Frozen hash browns (thawed)

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Sour cream

• Milk

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

2. Cook Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, brown beef. Drain excess fat.

3. Add Aromatics – Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.

4. Season – Add salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well.

5. Mix Casserole Base – In a large bowl, combine hash browns, 1½ cups cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.

6. Combine Mixtures – Add cooked beef mixture to the bowl and stir until evenly blended.

7. Assemble & Top – Spread mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

8. Bake – 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Serve – Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.

• Pepper jack cheese adds a spicier kick.

• For extra crunch, top with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before baking.

Introduction

This Savory Beef and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate all-in-one comfort dinner. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy hash browns, and melted cheddar for a dish that’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Preheat the Oven
Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.

2. Brown the Beef
Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain excess fat for a less greasy casserole.

3. Add Onion & Garlic
Cook until the onion softens and garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Season the Meat
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme for an herby depth of flavor.

5. Build the Casserole Base
Mix hash browns, cheese, soup, sour cream, and milk in a large bowl until creamy.

6. Combine & Assemble
Add beef mixture to the potato mix, then transfer to the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

7. Bake Until Golden
Cook until bubbly and the top is lightly browned, about 30–35 minutes.

8. Garnish & Serve
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

• Beef: 80/20 blend keeps it flavorful; leaner meat works if you prefer less fat.

• Hash Browns: Shredded or diced styles both work; just thaw before mixing.

• Cheese: Sharp cheddar for tang, or swap in pepper jack for spice.

• Soup: Cream of chicken or celery can be used instead of mushroom for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Hidden Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.

• Crunchy Topping: Mix crushed cornflakes or panko with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese before baking.

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Serve with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Info

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
A: Yes, shred and parboil them before using to ensure tenderness.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free condensed soup and check all seasoning labels.

Q: Can I add more cheese?
A: Always—just note it may make the casserole richer and heavier.

Personal Note

This is one of those casseroles that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s customizable, feeds a crowd, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day—if you’re lucky enough to have any left.

Do you want me to also create a freezer meal prep version of this recipe with instructions for cooking straight from frozen? That could make it even more blog-friendly.