The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s:

• Simple and Budget-Friendly: It uses basic, affordable ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep work and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes for a satisfying meal that pleases the whole family.

• Versatile: I can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or using various types of cheese to suit my preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Then, I drain any excess grease.

3. Combine Ingredients: I stir in the sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk into the skillet with the beef and onions. I season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer: I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.

5. Transfer to Casserole Dish: I pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Add Cheese: I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake: I place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: After removing the casserole from the oven, I let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

• Prep Time: About 15 minutes.

• Cook Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

• Total Time: Around 1 hour.

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: I sometimes substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Additional Vegetables: Adding vegetables like sliced carrots, peas, or green beans can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

• Cheese Options: Using different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend can provide a unique taste.

• Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. I let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer.

• Reheating: To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole until it’s heated through. For individual portions, the microwave works well.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner preparation even more convenient.

What can I serve alongside this casserole?

While the casserole is hearty on its own, I like to serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add some lightness to the meal.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Absolutely, I sometimes substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

I make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly, about 1/8-inch thick, to ensure they cook through evenly during baking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and using a vegetarian cream soup, I can create a vegetarian version of this casserole.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. Its simplicity, versatility, and hearty flavors make it a favorite in my household. Whether I’m preparing it for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, it’s always a hit. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this classic recipe as much as I do.

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Hobo Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a budget-friendly, versatile, and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving classic comfort food.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain excess grease.
• Combine Ingredients: Stir sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are just tender.
• Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Notes

• For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetarian cream soup.
• Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
• To ensure evenly cooked potatoes, slice them uniformly, about 1/8-inch thick.