Hobo Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a hearty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Easy Preparation: Minimal prep work with straightforward steps.
- Hearty and Filling: Combines protein and carbohydrates for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and evaporated milk.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Season the potato layer with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the soup layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, soup mixture, and finish with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables such as green beans, corn, peas, or bell peppers to add more nutrients and flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend to change the flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy content, which helps thicken the casserole. However, Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a creamier texture.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, you can sauté fresh mushrooms with the ground beef and onions, and then use a homemade cream sauce in place of the condensed soup and evaporated milk mixture.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer the added nutrients and texture, you can leave the skins on.
Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can enhance the flavor of the casserole.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement the richness of the casserole.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that the condensed cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, or make a homemade version using gluten-free ingredients. Also, verify that all other ingredients, such as seasonings and cheese, are gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or pepper jack to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown color.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty casserole on a cozy evening, and feel free to customize it with your preferred ingredients to make it your own.
Print
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hobo Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy layers of cheese. This budget-friendly recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and evaporated milk. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread half the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half the soup mixture over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Add vegetables like green beans or corn for extra nutrition.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter protein alternative.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
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