This Hobo Hash Brown Bake is my family’s favorite, and they can’t believe it takes so few ingredients!

### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Hobo Hash Brown Bake cooks evenly and gets golden brown on top.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients**
If you’re using sausage or bacon, cook it first and set it aside. For sausage, simply crumble it as it cooks so it’s nice and evenly distributed in the casserole. If using bacon, crumble it into bite-sized pieces once it’s cooked.

While the meat is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the frozen hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The cream of mushroom soup will bind everything together and create a creamy base that complements the crispy hash browns.

#### **Step 3: Add Meat (Optional)**
Once your sausage or bacon is cooked, stir it into the hash brown mixture. This step adds a savory, meaty depth to the dish that really makes it a filling and satisfying meal. However, if you’re keeping it vegetarian or simply want to skip the meat, you can easily leave it out.

#### **Step 4: Season to Taste**
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to mix it all together well to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the casserole.

#### **Step 5: Bake**
Transfer the hash brown mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and top with a bit of extra shredded cheese if you love cheesy, golden goodness. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your Hobo Hash Brown Bake is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s hot, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting—exactly what your family will love.

### **Why It’s My Family’s Favorite**

**1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:** One of the best things about this dish is that it’s made with such simple, everyday ingredients. The hash browns provide a crispy texture, the cream of mushroom soup gives it a creamy richness, and the cheese adds a melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s impossible to resist. Plus, the addition of sausage or bacon (if you choose) brings a savory punch that makes every bite flavorful.

**2. Easy to Customize:** The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add in extras to make it your own. Use different types of cheese (like pepper jack for a spicy kick), add in bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies, or top it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to give it a fresh touch. It’s a blank canvas that can be adapted to suit your family’s tastes.

**3. Make-Ahead Convenience:** This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the Hobo Hash Brown Bake the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or when you need a hassle-free dinner.

**4. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort:** Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish will please everyone at the table. The crispy, cheesy hash browns combined with the creamy mushroom soup and savory sausage or bacon make for a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.

**5. Family-Favorite and Budget-Friendly:** With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet but still delivers incredible taste. It’s the kind of dish that you can make when feeding a crowd or when you want to stretch your ingredients a bit further.

### **Conclusion**

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly meal that won’t break the bank, the Hobo Hash Brown Bake is the recipe you need. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a comforting dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Try it for your next family meal—you won’t believe how few ingredients can make such a delicious, unforgettable dish!