Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

4.60 from 5 votes

This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole delivers the ultimate comfort food. Creamy potatoes, flavorful cheddar, and the perfect amount of spice create a drool-worthy one-pot meal. A make-ahead casserole that comes together in 20 minutes for the win!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 262kcal

Ingredients

5 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup green bell pepper
1 30-ounce package frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes, thawed
1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cheddar cheese grated (2 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 green onions chopped for garnish

Instructions

Adjust the oven's rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃. Lightly grease a 9"x13" casserole dish with cooking spray.
Place a cast-iron skillet or pan over medium-low heat, add bacon and cook until golden and crisp, 4-6 minutes. Transfer the bacon bits to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Pour off all except 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
Add the chopped onions, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pan and cook until the onions are translucent and softened (3-4 minutes). Remove the skillet from the stove and set it aside.
In a large bowl, add thawed hash brown potatoes, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheese (reserve ¼ cup for the topping), cooked onion and pepper mixture, half of the bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Stir using a spatula until thoroughly combined.
Pour the hash brown potato mixture into your prepared baking pan and press down slightly, creating an even layer. Cover it with foil, then bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it bubbles. The internal temperature should register at least 165-175°F/75-80℃.
Remove the foil, top with the reserved shredded cheese, and bake for 15 more minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Remove the hash brown casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and the remaining bacon. Enjoy!

Notes

You can add ham, sausage, or chicken for a meaty hash brown casserole.
Enjoy a crispier hash brown potato casserole by adding crushed ritz crackers, cornflakes, potato chips, or breadcrumbs over the shredded cheese before putting it back in the oven for the final melt.
For extra gooey goodness, you can add mozzarella, Colby, Jack, Gouda, Provolone, or another cheese you like to the cheddar. More cheese is always good!
Save the extra bacon drippings for later. Anything fried in bacon grease is delicious.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition