Meatball Hash Brown Bake
A hearty meatball hash brown bake combining savory meatballs, cheesy sauce, and crispy hash browns, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup crushed saltines (about 20 crackers) ⓘ
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 package (30 oz.) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, lightly beat eggs. Stir in crushed saltines, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Crumble ground beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a covered skillet over low heat, cook meatballs in a small amount of water until browned; drain.
- In a bowl, combine condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, remaining salt, and remaining pepper.
- Pat thawed hash brown potatoes dry with paper towels and stir into the soup mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Arrange meatballs over the top, pressing lightly into the mixture.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink and potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs instead of crushed saltines. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef if preferred. If the hash browns seem too wet, pat them dry with additional paper towels before mixing them into the soup mixture. To save time, consider using pre-cooked meatballs from the store.
Serving Suggestions
This Meatball Hash Brown Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of baked beans or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or heat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Hash Brown Bake contains roughly 849 calories, with 28g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1717mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use freshly grated potatoes, but you'll need to par-cook them to ensure they soften in the bake. Squeeze out excess moisture and follow the same mixing instructions as with the frozen hash browns.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the meatballs?
Consider adding herbs like parsley or oregano to the meatball mixture for extra flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire recipe, then cover and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold to ensure it heats through evenly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).