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Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Enjoy a hearty and delicious ground beef hash brown casserole that blends lean ground beef, crispy hash browns, and fresh vegetables into a satisfying one-dish meal. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 2280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed and patted dry
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite alternative)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk (or a dairy-free substitute)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale for extra greens

Instructions
 

  • First, preheat your oven to 375°F so it is ready when you finish assembling the dish.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften. Next, stir in the finely minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute so that its enticing aroma fills the pan.
  • Now, add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until it browns thoroughly. As you stir, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Then, stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the optional spinach; let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors blend well.
  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. After that, gently fold in the thawed hash browns and the cooked beef mixture. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution.
  • Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Next, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese has melted with a light golden color on top.
  • Finally, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up slightly.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure that the hash browns are well dried before combining with other ingredients; this helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add extra herbs according to your preference.
  • This dish works well for meal prep; you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them later.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cheddar cheese and milk with your preferred plant-based alternatives.