Savory Beef and Hash Brown Bake
This Savory Beef and Hash Brown Bake combines the heartiness of ground beef with the crispy goodness of hash browns, creating a comforting casserole that’s perfect for any family dinner. Packed with flavor from sautéed onions, savory Worcestershire sauce, and a medley of vegetables, this one-dish meal is topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy hash browns. It's an easy and delicious recipe that not only satisfies but also brings everyone around the table. Serve this delightful casserole hot out of the oven for a filling meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
ketchup or sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
beef or vegetable broth
1 cup (none)
Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups (none)
refrigerated hash brown potatoes
1 (20 ounce) package (thawed)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then return the beef mixture to medium heat.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring constantly for about one minute until the flour is incorporated.
5
Stir in the ketchup (or sriracha for a spicy kick), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix in the frozen mixed vegetables and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
7
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then spread this potato mixture evenly over the beef mixture in the pan.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy on top.
9
Serve hot and enjoy! For leftovers, reheat in the microwave until hot, then transfer to the broiler for a few minutes to recrisp the hash browns.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Hash Brown Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines ground beef, vegetables, and a crispy hash brown and cheddar cheese topping.
What type of beef should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as an alternative to ground beef.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a greased 9x13 inch baking pan for this recipe.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The bake time is approximately 45 minutes or until the hash browns are golden and crispy.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns before use?
Yes, the refrigerated hash brown potatoes should be thawed before mixing them with cheese and butter.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe uses 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables.
How can I make this casserole spicy?
You can substitute the ketchup with sriracha sauce to give the beef mixture a spicy kick.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Why do I need to add flour to the beef?
Adding flour helps to thicken the sauce created by the broth and other liquid ingredients.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, either beef or vegetable broth can be used depending on your preference.
What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce provides a deep, savory umami flavor to the ground beef base.
How do I avoid a greasy casserole?
Make sure to drain the excess fat from the pan after browning the ground beef and before adding other ingredients.
How much butter is used in the potato topping?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter to mix with the hash browns and cheese.
Can I use fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe requires one onion, chopped and sautéed until translucent.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers to keep them crispy?
Reheat in the microwave until hot, then place under the broiler for a few minutes to recrisp the hash brown topping.
Can I use different varieties of frozen vegetables?
Yes, any blend of frozen mixed vegetables will work well in this casserole.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the onion?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, feel free to increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier topping.
What can I use if I do not have ketchup or sriracha?
A small amount of tomato paste with a pinch of sugar can serve as a substitute.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and vegetable base and the potato topping separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
How do I prepare the onion for the base?
The onion should be chopped and sautéed in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes.
Can I use frozen hash browns if I don't have refrigerated ones?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry of excess moisture before mixing.
What is the package size for the hash browns?
Use one 20-ounce package of refrigerated hash brown potatoes.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Is this considered a complete one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish meal as it contains protein, vegetables, and starches.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The ground beef should be browned and cooked through in about 5-7 minutes.
Can I add extra herbs to the beef mixture?
While not in the original recipe, adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the savory flavor profile.