Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

Why Make This Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients for a filling meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something easy to prepare. This recipe is budget-friendly, makes use of pantry staples, and is a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, so clean-up is a breeze!

How to Make Hobo Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking dish.
3. Start layering the ingredients in your greased baking dish. Begin with the ground beef, followed by the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this over the potato layer.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
7. Drizzle melted butter on top for extra flavor.
8. Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole

Serve Hobo Casserole hot straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika on top for a nice touch before serving.

How to Store Hobo Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Hobo Casserole

• For a bit of extra flavor, add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
• Use different types of cheese if you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
• Make sure to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible to ensure they cook evenly.

Variation

Try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or green beans for more nutrition and color.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for a day before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce as a substitute.

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use any type of potato, though Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe.

Hobo Casserole

A hearty and comforting one-dish meal made with ground beef, potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for busy nights.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced Slice as thinly as possible for even cooking.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken soup.
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese Other cheese types can be used for variation.
• ½ teaspoon paprika Optional, for garnish.
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted Enhances flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking dish.
3. Layer the ground beef in the greased baking dish.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on top of the beef.
5. Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef mixture.

Assembly

1. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture over the potato layer.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
4. Drizzle melted butter on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.

Notes

Serve hot with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Optional: Add a sprinkle of paprika on top before serving. For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.