Description
Crazy good casserole brings hearty comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich flavors and nostalgic textures. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a mouthwatering dish that warms souls and satisfies hungry families with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
Starches:
- 4 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups hash browns, shredded
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
Liquid and Binding:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, crisp the chopped bacon over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Using the same skillet, brown the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, cooking until no pink remains and fully crumbled.
- Combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, and shredded hash browns in the prepared baking dish, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and heavy cream in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the pasta and meat, ensuring complete coverage throughout the casserole.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating an even layer.
- Distribute the crispy bacon pieces across the surface of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure maximum crispiness and robust flavor throughout the casserole.
- Switch ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
- Consider using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ranch seasoning to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg