Description

A hearty, one-dish family dinner featuring browned ground beef, frozen hash browns, and a creamy cheddar sauce. This comforting casserole is easy to make, affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90/10 ratio)
30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns (do not thaw)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 cup full-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crushed potato chips or buttery crackers (optional topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread half of the frozen hash browns evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes), then drain excess grease.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion in butter until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the sauce bowl and stir to coat evenly.
Pour the beef mixture over the hash brown layer in the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Add the remaining hash browns on top of the cheese layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Add crushed potato chips or crackers if desired.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and potatoes are tender.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not thaw the hash browns before using, as this can make the casserole soggy. Shred your own cheese for better melting, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Ensure the beef is well-drained to prevent a greasy texture. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting to allow the sauce to set.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 475
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 25

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, hash browns, cheddar cheese, family dinner, easy recipes, comfort food, weeknight meals