The Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole with Ground Beef is a dish that combines simplicity with mouth-watering flavors. Perfect for any meal, this casserole blends crispy hash browns, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into a comforting and satisfying meal. This step-by-step guide will help you create this delightful casserole with ease and confidence, ensuring it’s a hit at your next family dinner or gathering.

What is Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef?

The Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole with Ground Beef is a popular dish combining crispy hash browns, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any meal and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Family-Friendly: This casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake it when needed, perfect for busy schedules.

Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and parties, ensuring you’ll receive plenty of compliments.
Comfort Food: The combination of hash browns, ground beef, and cheese makes for a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef

1 pound ground beef

1 bag (30 ounces) frozen hash browns, thawed
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, cooked ground beef, both soups, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add cheese: Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.

Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef

Sides

Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a healthy touch.

Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Beverages

Iced Tea: Refreshing and not too sweet, pairs well with the savory dish.
Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine enhances the flavors of the casserole.

Desserts

Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad complements the meal without being too heavy.
Chocolate Mousse: For those with a sweet tooth, a rich chocolate mousse is an indulgent finish.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef

Use high-quality hash browns: Opt for a reputable brand to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Pre-cook the vegetables: If adding bell peppers or other veggies, sauté them first to enhance their flavor.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and better texture.

Cheese variation: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables.

Different Meats: Try ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn for a Mexican-inspired version.
Breakfast Casserole: Incorporate breakfast sausage and top with scrambled eggs for a morning meal.

Storing Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef: Best Practices

Cool completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
Use airtight containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate promptly: Place in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

Label and date: Clearly label and date the containers to keep track of freshness.
Consume within 3-4 days: For the best taste and safety, eat within a few days of making.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Ground Beef: Best Practices

Oven reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Microwave reheating: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring midway.
Avoid drying out: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep the casserole moist.
Check temperature: Ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Single servings: For convenience, reheat individual servings instead of the entire casserole.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 450
Protein: 20g

Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g

Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 950mg
Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 2g

Other Yummy Recipes:

Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

FAQs

How do I prevent the hash browns from becoming soggy?

To prevent soggy hash browns, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Additionally, you can spread the hash browns on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help dry them out before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as instructed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.

What can I use as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version. To make a homemade substitute, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder to taste.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done baking when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbly. To ensure the casserole is heated through, insert a food thermometer into the center; it should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the center is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this casserole delivers both flavor and ease of preparation. With these tips and variations, you can customize it to suit your taste and enjoy a hearty meal any time of the year. Happy cooking!