You can buy a five pound bag of frozen hash browns for 8 bucks. Very easy to make. I would consider myself a expert.
1: In a small skillet pour in a thin layer of olive oil. Add some salt and pepper and garlic powder.
2: Add a few handfuls of the frozen shredded hashbrowns. (cover with a lid)
3: Use a very low heat. So low that it takes 15 minutes to brown the hashes. This is important to get rid of the raw potato taste. If the heat is to high you will get a bad taste.
4: When brown. Slide the hashbrowns into a bowl. Add a bit more olive oil to the pan. Then using a fork hold the bottom of the browns in the bowl and flip them back into the pan. It should all be in one piece.
5: Cook for six more minutes. (covered).
6: Slide back into bowl from step 4.
7: Cover with shredded cheese and microwave for ~90 seconds.
If done correctly you will only have one interaction with the potatoes. And you will use a fuckload of cheese very quickly. I go through a five pound bag in about 10 days.