Easy Comfort Food with Hash Browns
A delightful casserole combining crispy hash browns, savory ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese for a nostalgic and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and blotted dry These golden strands make the base of the casserole.
- 1.25 lb lean ground beef A protein-packed star of the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced Adds sweetness and savory essence.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances aroma and depth in the meat mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Provides umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for elevating taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds heat and enhances flavors.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Contributes a rich, smoky flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup Creates a creamy texture.
- 1 cup sour cream Provides tanginess and creaminess.
- 0.5 cup milk Helps achieve ideal consistency.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided Gooey topping that enhances flavor.
- 1.5 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed Provides crunch to the topping.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Adds richness to the cornflake topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and finely diced onion for about 7-9 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and drain any excess fat.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the beef mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns, beef mixture, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until edges begin to bubble.
Topping
- Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter.
- Uncover the casserole, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top, and scatter buttered cornflakes over everything.
- Return to oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Customize toppings with salsa or guacamole. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.