Cheesy Beef & Hash Brown Casserole
This Cheesy Beef & Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, quick, and budget-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with savory ground beef, crispy hash browns, and tender green beans, this dish offers a delicious amalgamation of flavors and textures that your whole family will love. Versatile and easy to customize, you can add your favorite veggies or switch up the seasonings to match your taste. For an extra kick, feel free to top it with gooey shredded cheese before serving, making it a delightful favorite in your rotation. It's an all-in-one skillet meal that brings the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty dinner to your table in no time!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 - 1.5 lb (browned)
shredded hash browns
2 lbs (fried until crispy)
small onion
1 (diced)
beef bouillon powder
2 teaspoons (optional)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
milk
1/4 - 1/2 cup (to achieve desired consistency)
green beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
shredded cheese
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large, non-stick skillet, fry the shredded hash browns over medium heat until they are golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Once browned, set aside.
2
In a separate large skillet or deep stock pot, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, add the diced onion and sauté until the onion is translucent and the meat is fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
3
Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture if necessary. Sprinkle the cooked beef and onion with beef bouillon powder to enhance the flavor.
4
Add the cream of mushroom soup and 1/4 cup of milk to the beef mixture, stirring until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
5
Carefully fold in the drained green beans and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, just until heated through.
6
Finally, add the crispy hash browns to the beef mixture, gently incorporating them without breaking the hash browns down too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a cheesier dish, top with shredded cheese and cover until melted.
7
Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Beef & Hash Brown Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef & Hash Brown Casserole?
It is a comforting, quick, and budget-friendly skillet meal featuring ground beef, crispy hash browns, green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of beef is recommended for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 1 to 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
How do I prepare the hash browns?
The shredded hash browns should be fried in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy before being added to the casserole.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
A 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used to create the creamy base.
Can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
Yes, you can use between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk, adding it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Are there any vegetables in this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes a 15-ounce can of drained green beans and a small diced onion.
Is cheese required for this recipe?
Shredded cheese is optional and can be used as a topping for an extra gooey finish.
How is the beef flavored?
The beef is flavored with diced onions, 2 teaspoons of beef bouillon powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
How long does it take to cook the beef and onions?
The beef and onions should be sautéed over medium-high heat for approximately 6-8 minutes until the meat is fully cooked.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat from the beef mixture after browning for a better texture.
When do I add the green beans?
Carefully fold in the drained green beans after the soup and milk have been combined with the beef, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and allows you to add your favorite veggies to match your taste.
What is the best way to incorporate the hash browns?
Gently fold the crispy hash browns into the beef mixture at the end to avoid breaking them down too much.
Is this a one-pan meal?
While you use two skillets initially (one for hash browns and one for beef), it ultimately comes together as a convenient skillet meal.
Is this recipe good for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is specifically described as a quick and easy meal perfect for rotating into busy weeknight schedules.
Can I use beef bouillon cubes?
The recipe calls for powder, but you can use crushed bouillon cubes as a substitute to enhance the beef flavor.
How do I make the dish cheesier?
Top the finished skillet with shredded cheese and cover it with a lid until the cheese is completely melted.
What should the onion texture be?
The onions should be sautéed until they are translucent and tender.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned goods, making it very cost-effective.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses salt, pepper, and beef bouillon powder for its primary seasoning profile.
Do I need to bake this casserole?
No, this is a skillet-based casserole that is finished on the stovetop rather than in the oven.
How much hash browns do I need?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of shredded hash browns.
Can I use fresh green beans?
The recipe calls for canned green beans for speed, but you can use cooked fresh green beans if preferred.
What heat setting should I use for frying hash browns?
Medium heat is best to ensure they get golden and crispy without burning.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead?
Yes, while cream of mushroom is standard, you can switch the soup variety to customize the flavor.
Should the hash browns be stirred while frying?
Yes, stir them occasionally to ensure even browning and crispiness.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to season with salt and pepper to taste and optionally melt cheese on top.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, its mild, savory flavors and hearty textures make it a favorite for both children and adults.
How long do I simmer the beef mixture?
Once the soup, milk, and beans are added, simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.