Ultimate Hamburger Hash Browns: The Secret to Perfectly Cris

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.

Mix together hash brown potatoes, oil, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined; press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef, garlic powder, and onion powder in the hot skillet until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.

Stir water and gravy mix into beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer until water evaporates, about 5 minutes. Fold in 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Spoon beef mixture onto hash brown crust.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and continue baking until cheese is lightly browned, about 5 more minutes.