Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples and basic kitchen items, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and cheese creates a luscious, savory flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients deliver hearty, satisfying portions without breaking the bank.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready for a stress-free meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup sour cream
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Add the chopped onion (and garlic, if using) and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired, then slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers on top of the ground beef.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using) until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the potato layer, ensuring it coats all the slices.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Cheese Variations: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition and color.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For individual servings, microwave on medium power until hot.
FAQs
What is Hobo Casserole made of?
Hobo Casserole typically consists of ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, all layered and baked together.
Can I prepare Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different types of cheese in Hobo Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make Hobo Casserole vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Ensure the cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, adding vegetables like frozen peas, carrots, or green beans can enhance the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
How should I slice the potatoes for even cooking?
Slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly, about 1/8-inch thick, to ensure they cook through properly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For individual servings, the microwave works well.
Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture for added heat.
What side dishes pair well with Hobo Casserole?
Steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or crusty
Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Hobo Casserole is a comforting and budget-friendly recipe that combines ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, baked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. Keywords: hobo casserole recipe, easy ground beef casserole, comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat (5–7 minutes). Add onion (and garlic, if using), cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper; drain excess grease.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash, peel (if desired), and slice potatoes thinly (1/8-inch thick).
- Assemble Casserole: Layer cooked beef in the baking dish. Arrange potato slices on top.
- Make Sauce: Whisk soup, milk, and sour cream (if using) in a bowl. Pour over potatoes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil; bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Optional garnish: chopped parsley.
Notes
- Thin, uniform potato slices ensure even cooking.
- Add frozen vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasonings like paprika or cayenne for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
