Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole perfect for family dinners. It combines seasoned ground beef, tangy Manwich sloppy joe sauce, flavorful chili with beans, and shredded hash browns, all layered with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for a satisfying texture. Baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is an easy, one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce Ingredients
- 1½ lb lean ground beef
- 1 can Manwich sloppy joe sauce (about 15 oz)
- 1 (15-oz) can Hormel Chili with Beans
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
Other Ingredients
- ½ (32-oz) package shredded hash browns, thawed
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (3-oz) can french fried onions
- Cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, Manwich sloppy joe sauce, Hormel chili with beans, tomato sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the thawed shredded hash browns. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to help the casserole cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the hash browns to soften.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top followed by the french fried onions. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the onions are crisp.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely before mixing to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute the Hormel Chili with Beans for regular chili or homemade chili for a less processed option.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a deeper cheese flavor, use a sharp cheddar or mix multiple cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated; bake it covered an extra 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
