If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the best of cheesy goodness and spicy chili flavor, the Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish is a cozy crowd-pleaser with layers of tender ground beef, rich Manwich sloppy joe sauce, flavorful chili with beans, and crispy hash browns all smothered in melty cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection and topped with crunchy French fried onions, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, especially on chilly evenings when you crave something warm, filling, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every successful Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe starts with a lineup of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the savory beef base and tangy sauces to the crispy texture of hash browns and the irresistible melting cheese that ties it all together.
- Lean ground beef (1½ lb): Provides a hearty, protein-rich base with just the right amount of lean flavor.
- Manwich sloppy joe sauce (1 can): Adds a tangy, slightly sweet, tomato-based punch that complements the chili.
- Hormel Chili with Beans (15-oz can): Brings hearty beans and chili spice that infuse the dish with deep, warming flavors.
- Tomato sauce (8-oz can): Boosts the saucy, rich texture and balances the savory flavors.
- Shredded hash browns (½ of 32-oz package, thawed): Adds a wonderful soft but slightly crispy potato layer that soaks up all the great flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (3 cups): The star ingredient that melts beautifully and adds creaminess and sharp, cheesy taste.
- French fried onions (3-oz can): Provides an irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so the bake doesn’t stick and can come out easily after cooking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks so it browns evenly. Once it’s fully cooked, drain the excess fat carefully. This step builds the savory meaty foundation for your bake, and draining the fat keeps the dish from being greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the browned beef with the Manwich sloppy joe sauce, Hormel chili with beans, tomato sauce, one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the thawed hash browns. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so each bite will have a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and tangy flavors infused throughout.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spread this flavorful mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture locked in while it bakes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the hash browns to soften nicely during the first baking phase.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the cheese will begin melting into the layers, and the chili and sloppy joe sauce will create a rich, comforting base.
Step 6: Add Cheese and French Fried Onions, Then Bake Again
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining two cups of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, scatter the French fried onions for that final burst of crunch and flavor. Pop the dish back into the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the onions are crisp and irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add fresh brightness and an extra kick, balancing the rich, cheesy layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this cheesy chili bake alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A side of warm crusty bread or tortillas also works great to scoop up any saucy leftovers on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the bake in individual ramekins for personal portions or as a filling for loaded baked potatoes. You can even use it as a topping for nachos or stuffed into soft rolls for chili-cheese sliders that are sure to wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container. The Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish through step 4, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat portions in a microwave or in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly again. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese or onions before reheating can revive that just-baked feel and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular chili instead of the canned Hormel Chili with Beans?
Absolutely! You can use any chili you prefer, but using a chili with beans adds a nice texture and heartiness that works perfectly in this recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
The Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe has a gentle kick from the sloppy joe sauce and chili, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to kick up the heat if you like.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans, and use a vegetarian chili. The rest of the recipe stays the same and is just as delicious.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts well and offers a tangy flavor that balances the chili. However, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch dishes and adjust baking times slightly to ensure everything heats evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table in a way few dishes can. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal to share with friends, this bake is guaranteed to hit the spot. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to casserole.
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Cheesy Hash Brown Chili Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
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.
