There is something mighty comforting about a simple oven supper built from pantry and freezer staples, and this 4-Ingredient Oven Fireworks Hash is just the kind of dish busy families come back to again and again. It has that hearty Midwestern casserole spirit: potatoes, a savory protein, melty cheese, and a little heat all baked together in one dish until golden and bubbling. When you need a filling meal without a lot of fuss, this is the sort of dependable supper that feels like it has been around forever.
Serve this hash with a crisp green salad, buttered green beans, or a spoonful of applesauce if you like that sweet-and-savory old-fashioned supper plate. It also goes well with toast, biscuits, or a simple fruit cup for brunch, and leftovers make a fine next-day meal with a fried egg on top.
4-Ingredient Oven Fireworks Hash
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns
1 pound ground beef
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, then drain off any excess grease.
3. Spread the frozen shredded hashbrowns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the browned beef over the top, then spread the salsa across the surface.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
5. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the potatoes are hot and tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.
6. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.
Variations & Tips
Make It Spicier: Use a hot salsa or a pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar if your family likes a little more kick. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top after baking will wake it right up.
Swap the Meat: Ground sausage gives this dish a breakfast-style flavor, while cooked shredded chicken makes it a little lighter. Just be sure any meat you use is fully cooked before it goes into the baking dish.
Add a Little Creaminess: If you want a richer casserole, stir the salsa into 1/2 cup sour cream before spreading it over the hashbrowns. That makes the filling softer and a bit more old-fashioned, like the church supper casseroles many of us grew up on.
Best Hashbrown Tip: You can use the hashbrowns straight from frozen, which is part of what makes this recipe so handy. If they are clumped together, just break them apart with clean hands before spreading them in the dish so everything bakes evenly.
Make-Ahead Note: Brown the meat ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator, then assemble the casserole when you are ready to bake. That little bit of planning can make a weeknight supper come together in a hurry.