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.
