Cheesy Beef and Hash Brown Casserole: A comforting, creamy, and indulgent casserole

Cheesy Beef and Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

For the beef mixture:

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the hash brown layer:

2 large potatoes, peeled and grated

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cheese sauce:

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate bowl, combine the grated potatoes, flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the hash brown mixture in the bottom of the dish.

Spread the beef mixture over the hash browns.

Top the beef mixture with the remaining hash brown mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the paprika. Add the cheese mixture to the cream and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the cheese sauce over the hash brown layer.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Picture:

[Image description: A golden-brown casserole dish filled with a layered mixture of ground beef, hash browns, and melted cheese. The top is crispy and golden, with a few crispy hash browns peeking out from beneath the cheese. The dish is surrounded by a white plate and a green napkin, with a few utensils and a glass of milk nearby.]

Tips and Variations:

To make this recipe more substantial, add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.

For an extra crispy top, sprinkle some additional grated cheese over the casserole before baking.

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

This casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Nutrition Information (per serving):