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A simple, comforting casserole layered with ground beef, hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (do not add water)
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns (thawed overnight)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded, packed measure)

Instructions

  1. Thaw frozen shredded hash browns overnight.
  2. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, about 5–7 minutes; drain off fat.
  3. Whisk together the can of condensed cream of chicken soup and 1 cup full-fat sour cream until smooth.
  4. Butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Spread half the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
  6. Spread half the browned beef over the hash browns.
  7. Spread half the creamy soup and sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
  8. Sprinkle half (about 3/4 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy layer.
  9. Repeat the layers with remaining hash browns, browned beef, creamy mixture, and shredded cheese.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle.
  11. Bake the casserole for 45–50 minutes until edges bubble and cheese is golden brown.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.

Notes

For best texture, thaw hash browns overnight before use., Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting., Allow casserole to rest after baking to set for clean slicing., Baking on the middle oven rack prevents burning cheese or soggy bottom., Swaps: ground turkey or chicken instead of beef; cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken soup; Greek yogurt for sour cream; Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or sharp white cheddar for cheese., Add-ins include sautéed onions and garlic, frozen peas, corn, green chiles, or cooked bacon for extra flavor., For a crunchy topping, add 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or 3/4 cup panko mixed with melted butter to the cheese layer during last 10-15 minutes of baking., Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, bake with added 10-15 minutes., Freezer: freeze assembled casserole up to 2 months; bake with extended time when frozen.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gingerbaking.com/dolly-partons-5-ingredient-casserole-will-save-your-busy-week/