·

Chili Hash Brown Casserole

This is an easy one. I won’t even make you chop an onion. My kids, husband, and I all like this, which is a rare miracle. It makes a lot and you’ll have leftovers. One of my favorite easy dinner recipes.

Chili Hash Brown Casserole

Easy on the budget and loved by the whole family, this casserole recipe is cheesy, delicious, and simple to make.
Print Recipe
close up view of casserole being served
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour

Equipment

  • 1 casserole dish (9 x 13 or slightly smaller)
  • large saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Colander (for rinsing the beans)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (15 ounce ) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans or black beans (rinsed)
  • 1 pound frozen shredded hashbrowns
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Prep the oven.  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack positioned in the center.
  • Make the chili.  In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Then, add the diced onion, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned (about 8-10 minutes). If there is a lot of extra grease, drain some off. Once the beef browns, stir in the diced tomatoes and rinsed beans. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the chili thickens. The consistency should be hearty and stew-like, not watery.
    process of chili cooking down in saucepan.
  • Assemble the casserole.  Pour the chili mixture evenly into the casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the frozen shredded hash browns on top of the chili in an even layer. Season the potatoes lightly with a pinch of salt. Finally, top the potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese.
    casserole dish showing layers of chili, shredded potato, and cheese.
  • Bake the casserole.  Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the chili is bubbling and the cheese is melted. For a golden, crispy top, broil on low for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
    scoop of finished chili hashbrown casserole
  • Serve.  Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Scoop and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

For a potato topping that’s crispy and a bit brown, turn on the broil feature for 3-5 minutes at the end.  Just watch it so it doesn’t burn.
You can make this in individual ramekins and bake for about 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 452mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 443IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: servings
Calories: 292kcal
Author: Katie

With a hearty chili layer, crunchy hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese on top, it quickly becomes a meal everyone loves, perfect for a laid-back dinner. The best part? You can make it with ingredients you probably already have.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter but equally satisfying, this White Chicken Chili recipe is another cozy option, perfect for cooler nights.

overhead view of scoop being removed from finished casserole

I hope it becomes a favorite for you, too.

Casserole Tips

  • I recommend rinsing the canned beans but not everyone agrees with me here.
  • Try to shred your cheese instead of buying the pre-shredded kind. The pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as nicely.
  • Before you add the frozen hash browns to your dish, let them thaw a little on the counter so can spread them out more easily. Or just whack them super hard.
  • Remember to sprinkle a little salt (and pepper if you want) on the hash browns before you add the cheese.
  • Take your time and let the chili cook until it’s thick.
  • This casserole is perfect for planning. You can cook the chili the day before and keep it in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, assemble everything as usual. This can save you a lot of time when you’re busy.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Frozen shredded hash browns: These save time and easily give you a nice, crispy top layer.

Ground beef: Either regular or 90% is good for this dish. You could use ground turkey or chicken.

ingredients on counter.

Canned beans: Kidney or pinto beans work best, black beans are okay too.

Shredded cheddar cheese: It works best freshly grated. You can also switch it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack cheese.

A 9 x 13 casserole dish

 Sagoskat Casserole Dish Baking Dish Ceramic Baking Pan Nonstick Baking Dish Blue Lassagne Pan 9×13 Baking Dishes for oven Casserole Dishes for Kitchen All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan Cookware, 3-Quart, Silver Meat Chopper, Hamburger Chopper, Potato Masher-Professional Multifunctional Heat Resistant Nylon Ground Beef Smasher Kitchen Tools And Gadgets, ​Safe For Non-Stick Cookware

 

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this with no-knead dinner rolls, Amish broccoli salad, and a delicious pear cobbler for dessert.

 KitchenAid Gingham Casserole Mitt Single Pack, Milkshake Tan, 35 CHEFBEE 3PCS Silicone Trivet Mat – Trivets for Hot Dishes, Table, Countertop, Non-Slip Heat Resistant Modern Kitchen Trivets, Teapot Trivet – Flexible Black Trivet Set Folkulture Wooden Spoons for Cooking Set for Kitchen, Non Stick Cookware Tools or Utensils Includes Wooden Spoon, Spatula, Fork, Slotted Turner, Corner Spoon, Set of 5, 12 Inch, Acacia Wood, White

 

Storing Casserole Leftovers + Make Ahead Instructions

Once the casserole has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or place the whole casserole dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed.

This freezes well before it’s baked! To freeze, assemble the casserole, but do not bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to cook it, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

This is an easy, no-nonsense dinner, especially on those hectic weekday nights. I love how simple it is to throw together, using ingredients I usually have on hand.

It also reheats wonderfully, which is perfect for enjoying leftovers. Enjoy!

scoop of finished chili hashbrown casserole
Click here to subscribe

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this for dinner tonight. We loved it! We are looking forward to having the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. My husband suggested possibly topping it with lettuce, tomato, avocado and sour cream, but I liked it just plain.
    I’m looking forward to trying some of your other recipes!

  2. I’m going to try this recipe tonight and would love a clarification. In your recipe directions, you say, ” Add the tomato paste and stir until it is absorbed.” But, unless I missed it (very possible – I’m very old) tomato paste is not listed anywhere else as an ingredient. May I ask if I should add the paste, and if so, how much? Thank you, Katie, for this delicious sounding recipe!

  3. I’m going to make this tomorrow. The ingredients list doesn’t show tomato paste, but the directions do. I assume a 6-oz can will work. Also, if the paste is added, is any water needed to thin?

    1. hey ginny. Yes! i’m sorry i no longer use the paste (just because I find the small amount annoying), i should take that out. if you use it (it does add flavor), you’ll need to thin it with water.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating