I prepared this for a social event, and it was the center of conversation.

This savory beef and cheese hash brown casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the best of hearty, home-cooked flavors. Originating from the heartland, this casserole is a staple in many Midwestern homes, perfect for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends. It's a dish that combines the crispy texture of hash browns with the rich taste of ground beef and gooey melted cheese, making it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a satisfying dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to please.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls. A light fruit salad can also complement the savory flavors, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Servings: 6

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.

Stir in the salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.

Add the cooked beef mixture to the hash brown mixture. Stir until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. If you have picky eaters, consider adding some hidden veggies like finely chopped bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the sour cream to 3/4 cup. You can also top the casserole with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an extra crunchy topping.