Make a Harvest Potatoes Casserole

• 1 Pkg (30 oz.) Frozen Hash Browns, Thawed
• 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 to 1 1/2 Cups Diced Meat
• 1/2 Cup Margarine, melted
• 1/2 Tsp Salt
• Pinch Black Pepper
• 1 Medium Onion, diced
• 1 Tbs Garlic Power
• TOPPING:
• 1 Cup Crushed Ritz Crackers
• 1/4 Cup Margarine or Butter, melted

We have a recipe in our household that everybody loves. It has lots of things going for it - it is really quick and easy to make, it can be whipped up the day before and refrigerated until baking time, it is inexpensive to make, and best of all, it is delicious.

The Old Gray Mare has listed the ingredients that our family has always used but, in the interest of cutting down calories and/or fat content, you might consider using fat free or lower fat content ingredients. It might affect the "yummie" factor somewhat so experiment.

The ingredients listed are for basic Harvest Potatoes. We like to include various types of meat in our recipe and there is no hard or fast rule about how much meat gets added. Everybody here likes bratwurst, kielbasa, knockwurst or hot dogs; at other times we might dice up leftover meats such as chicken or pork.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 1 - Grease a 13x9" pyrex dish.

Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients except the ingredients for the topping.

Thoroughly mix all ingredients.

Step 3 - Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Spread evenly into corners and level with a spatula.

The Old Gray Mare notes: If you have prepared this recipe for later use, refrigerate it now without adding the topping. It will keep several days if it is chilled, but she recommends you leave it for just one day.

Step 4 - Prepare the topping: Place the Ritz crackers into a zip lock bag, seal well, and crush the crackers into small pieces. Melt the butter or margarine. Pour the melted butter on the crushed crackers and mix well. Spread the mixture over the top of the dish.

Cover with foil.

Step 5 - At 350 degrees, bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly. It is ready to eat then. But, if you like your potatoes well baked & softer, leave the dish in the oven a few extra minutes. Also, if want a crisper and browner topping, uncover and leave in five additional minutes.

Serve up and enjoy!

This article was written by The Old Gray Mare of DressYourHorse.com.