Hobo Casserole is a hearty, simple, and budget-friendly dish that has stood the test of time. Known for its layered combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, this comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This casserole is a one-dish meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. Let’s dive into the details of how to make a delicious Hobo Casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole
Affordable Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and inexpensive ground beef, it’s a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.
One-Dish Meal: No need for multiple sides—this casserole combines protein, starch, and creamy goodness in one dish.
Customizable: You can easily tweak it by adding vegetables, swapping proteins, or using different seasonings.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, making it a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Base Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 small onion, diced
2 cups thinly sliced potatoes (russet, Yukon gold, or sweet potatoes)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Add-Ins
1 cup frozen vegetables (peas, corn, or green beans)
1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess grease and season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir to combine.
3. Slice the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Using a mandoline slicer can help ensure even slices, which cook more uniformly.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth. For added richness, stir in sour cream.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish:
Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly.
Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of soup on top.
6. Bake Covered
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the potatoes cook through. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
8. Let It Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole
Slice Potatoes Evenly: Uniform slices ensure that all the potatoes cook at the same rate. Thin slices are key to achieving tender, fully cooked potatoes.
Season Each Layer: Lightly season the potatoes and beef layers as you go to build flavor throughout the dish.
Add Veggies: For added nutrition, include frozen peas, corn, or green beans in the beef layer. Make sure they are thawed and drained before adding.
Check Doneness: Test the potatoes with a fork before removing the casserole from the oven. If they’re not tender, cover the dish again and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
Variations
Hobo Casserole is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
1. Protein Swaps
Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef.
Use diced leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat.
2. Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
Use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
3. Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or crushed potato chips on top of the cheese for added texture.
4. Sauce Alternatives
Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheddar soup.
Use a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Hobo Casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides:
Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the casserole’s richness.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed green beans add color and nutrients.
Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Oven: Cover the casserole with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutritional Benefits
Potatoes: A good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Ground Beef: Rich in protein, iron, and essential nutrients. Opt for lean beef to reduce saturated fat.
Cheese: Adds calcium and protein while enhancing the dish’s flavor.
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cups thinly sliced potatoes russet, Yukon gold, or sweet potatoes
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup frozen vegetables peas, corn, or green beans
- 1/2 cup sour cream for extra creaminess
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease and season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir to combine.
- Slice the Potatoes
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Using a mandoline slicer can help ensure even slices, which cook more uniformly.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth. For added richness, stir in sour cream.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish:
- Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly.
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of soup on top.
- Bake Covered
- Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the potatoes cook through. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes can be used as a shortcut. Adjust the baking time if needed.
2. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce.
3. How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?
Ensure there’s enough liquid (soup mixture) to cover the potatoes. If the dish seems dry during baking, add a splash of milk or broth.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a timeless recipe that delivers big on flavor while being easy on the wallet and effort. With its creamy layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. Customize it to suit your tastes, serve it alongside simple sides, and enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Try it tonight, and watch it become a regular on your dinner rotation!