Ground Beef Casserole with Hash Browns

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Craving comfort food that’s quick, delicious, and guilt-free? This ground beef casserole with hash browns is your answer!

It’s a savory, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. The crispy hash brown crust tops a rich, meaty filling that bursts with flavor.

This dish is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb, so everyone can dig in. It’s a breeze to whip up with pantry staples. Versatile and budget-friendly, it’s ideal for busy schedules.

Customize it to your taste and watch it become a family favorite. Get ready to savor every bite of this hearty, satisfying casserole!

Why Choose This Recipe?

This ground beef casserole is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with protein and low in carbs. The dish fits keto and gluten-free diets perfectly.

You control the ingredients, unlike store-bought meals. It’s more cost-effective than dining out. Traditional casseroles often use high-carb ingredients like pasta.

This version swaps those for hash browns, keeping it light. You get all the flavor without the guilt. It’s filling, so a little goes a long way.

Plus, it’s easy to scale for larger gatherings. Home-cooked meals like this bring comfort and quality to your table.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced ingredient ratios: The beef, cheese, and hash browns create a perfect flavor balance.
• Simple cooking method: Baking ensures even cooking and a crispy topping.
• Keto-friendly: Low-carb hash browns and high-fat ingredients support ketosis.
• Gluten-free: No flour or grains, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Flavorful seasoning: Spices like garlic and paprika enhance the beef’s richness.
• Versatile texture: Creamy filling pairs with crunchy hash browns for contrast.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different cheeses or spices.

Essential Ingredients

• Ground beef: 1.5 pounds (80/20 for best flavor)
• Frozen hash browns: 4 cups, shredded, thawed
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp for bold flavor)
• Sour cream: 1 cup, full-fat
• Heavy cream: ½ cup
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Green onions: ¼ cup, chopped (optional garnish)
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, fresh, chopped (optional garnish)

Optional ingredients:

• Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced, for extra umami
• Jalapeños: 1-2, diced, for spice

Substitutions:

• Use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Colby Jack.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for tanginess.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Knife and cutting board

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole with Hash Browns

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Heat skillet over medium heat.
4. Add butter and let it melt.
5. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add ground beef to the skillet.
8. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
9. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
10. Stir in paprika, salt, and black pepper.
11. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
12. Transfer beef mixture to the baking dish.
13. Spread evenly with a spatula.
14. Top with thawed hash browns in an even layer.
15. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over hash browns.
16. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
17. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
18. Garnish with green onions or parsley, if desired.
19. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Thaw hash browns completely: This prevents a soggy topping.
• Use full-fat dairy: Low-fat versions may separate during baking.
• Season generously: Taste the beef mixture before baking.
• Spread layers evenly: This ensures consistent cooking.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate.
• Freeze for later: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
• Check cheese browning: Cover with foil if it browns too quickly.
• Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit to set the layers.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Protein: 22g
• Total Carbs: 8g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Values vary by ingredient brand. Check labels for precise dietary compliance. Adjust portion sizes for different nutritional needs.

Customizing the Recipe

Make this casserole your own with simple tweaks. Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Mix in mushrooms for earthy depth. Swap cheddar for pepper jack to boost heat.

Try Italian seasoning for a herbaceous twist. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat. Sprinkle bacon bits on top for extra crunch.

Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano. Add a layer of diced bell peppers for color and flavor. Tailor the spices to your taste. The possibilities are endless.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using frozen hash browns without thawing: This leads to uneven cooking.
• Overcooking the beef: Cook until just browned to avoid dryness.
• Skipping the fat drain: Excess grease makes the casserole oily.
• Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust spices before baking.
• Overcrowding the dish: Use a large enough baking dish for even layers.
• Not greasing the dish: This causes sticking and difficult cleanup.
• Baking too long: Check at 25 minutes to avoid burning the cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Cover with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. Always check the temperature before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair this casserole with keto-friendly sides. Try a crisp green salad with avocado. Roasted broccoli or cauliflower complements the richness. Serve with a low-carb drink like sparkling water with lemon.

For dessert, enjoy keto chocolate mousse or berries with whipped cream. These pairings keep the meal light and balanced. They enhance the casserole’s savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Use shredded fresh potatoes, but rinse and pat them dry to remove excess starch. This ensures a crispy topping.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute. Ensure it’s keto-friendly and gluten-free if needed.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes if cold.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

Absolutely, it’s low-carb with only 6g net carbs per serving. Check ingredient labels for hidden sugars.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?

Drain excess fat after cooking the beef. Use leaner beef (85/15) if preferred.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, freeze unbaked or baked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating or baking.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack. Each adds a unique flavor while keeping it creamy.