Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

There’s something magical about a piping hot casserole on a chilly evening that brings the whole family running to the dinner table. I discovered this double potato hamburger hashbrown casserole last winter when my neighbor Crazzee brought it to our community potluck. After one bite of this creamy, crispy comfort food masterpiece, I practically chased her down for the recipe! The combination of hashbrowns AND tater tots might seem like potato overkill, but trust me. It creates texture magic that my family now requests weekly. My family, who usually turns their noses up at casseroles, asked for seconds and even took leftovers in his lunch the next day. This hearty meat-and-potatoes dish has become my secret weapon for busy weeknights, and I’m thrilled to share this crowd-pleasing recipe with you finally!

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Why This Is the Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef You Must Try 

The genius of this casserole lies in its combination of two potato textures that create a uniquely satisfying dish. The frozen hashbrowns mix with cheese and soup to form a creamy, substantial base that holds everything together, while the tater tot topping bakes to crispy, golden perfection. The seasoned ground beef adds savory protein, making this a complete meal in one dish. The Italian seasoning blend provides a familiar flavor that appeals to adults and children, ensuring this casserole becomes a family favorite.Why You’ll Love This Double Potato Casserole

• Complete meal in one dish – Protein and carbs combined means no need for multiple side dishes
• Budget-friendly – Uses economical ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd
• Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love the combination of ground beef and potato
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights
• Customizable – Easy to adapt with different soups, cheeses, or added vegetables
• Ultimate comfort food – Satisfying, hearty, and nostalgically delicious

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Tater tots – Create a crispy, golden crown that contrasts with the creamy base
• Ground beef – Provides protein and savory flavor as the meat foundation of the casserole
• Onion – Adds aromatic flavor and natural sweetness when cooked with the beef
• Italian seasoning – Creates depth of flavor with a classic herb blend
• Garlic powder – Contributes savory notes without the texture of fresh garlic
• Onion powder – Enhances the flavor of fresh onions for a more robust taste
• Frozen hash browns – Form the binding base layer that absorbs flavors and adds substance
• Condensed soup – Creates creaminess and brings the ingredients together, cream of mushroom soup also works in this recipe
• Milk – Thins the soup slightly for better distribution throughout the casserole
• Cheddar cheese – Adds melty, savory richness that complements the potatoes perfectly

How to Make Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

To put together this hamburger hash brown dinner casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Dice the onions and shred the cheese. Set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Start browning the hamburger meat. If you use lean ground beef, add a tablespoon or two of oil to the skillet to prevent the meat from burning.
5. Once the ground beef loses its bright red color, add the onions and continue to cook until the meat is fully cooked. 

6. Remove the skillet from the heat and drain the grease.
7. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine.
8. In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, can of creamed soup of your choice, milk, and cheese.
9. Add the ground beef mixture to the mixing bowl and stir well to combine with the other ingredients. 

10. Sprinkle the ground beef mixture evenly in a well-greased 2-quart casserole or baking dish.
11. Top with a single layer of tater tots.
12. Put the casserole dish in the oven and bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy; about 30 to 45 minutes.
13. Cool the casserole slightly on a wire rack before serving. 

What To Serve With Hashbrown and Hamburger Casserole 

Adding a vegetable side dish helps to round out the meal. Try maintaining the nostalgia vibe by making Honey Roasted Carrots, Green Beans, a Waldorf Salad, or Creamed Spinach. 

Are you a fan of Mexican-inspired food? While not, top the casserole with sour cream, salsa, and some hot sauce to make a South of the Border version.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover with aluminum foil.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• For small portions, transfer to smaller airtight containers.

Freezer Storage

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Instructions

• Individual Portions: Microwave for 2-3 minutes, though the tater tots won’t be as crispy.
• From Refrigerated: Preheat oven to 325°F. Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top.
• From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator (recommended) or bake covered at 325°F for 45-60 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes to crisp the top.

Love hashbrowns and tater tots? Try these recipes!

• Cheesy Hash Browns
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
• Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
• Loaded Tater Tots
• Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole
• Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
• Sonic Tater Tots
• Tater Tot Casserole

Popular Casserole Recipes

• Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
• Creamed Corn Casserole
• Ham and Egg Casserole
• Sausage Casserole

Check out more of my easy casserole recipes and the best comfort food recipes here on CopyKat!

Thanks to crazzee for sharing this casserole recipe.