Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that takes me back to simpler times, where hearty meals were the focal point of family gatherings. This easy-to-make casserole has become a beloved staple in my home thanks to its delightful medley of flavors and the way it brings everyone together around the table. Picture layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce, all topped off with bubbling cheese—it’s pure comfort food! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers satisfaction and warmth that makes it simply unforgettable.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are a multitude of reasons to love Hobo Casserole. First, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it ideal for families looking to stretch their grocery budget without compromising on taste. Additionally, this casserole is versatility at its finest; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even potlucks, where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

"I made Hobo Casserole for my family last week, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s going to be a regular in our home!"

The layers of flavor and textures automatically make it a crowd-pleaser, and with minimal prep required, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Hobo Casserole really is a breeze! Here’s a general overview of the cooking process: Start with browning the ground beef and onions, then layer the sliced potatoes and beef in a baking dish, top with creamy mushroom soup and cheese, and bake until everything melds together beautifully. It’s as straightforward as it sounds!

What you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll gather for this heartwarming dish:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preferred variety)
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For some extra depth of flavor, consider adding in some garlic or herbs to enhance the dish even further.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a generously sized baking dish, create a layer of sliced potatoes.
4. Add the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
5. Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the layers.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire casserole.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
8. Finally, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy this comforting dish!

Perfect Pairings for Hobo Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or some steamed green beans. For those who enjoy a little extra crunch, a side of garlic bread can complement the creamy texture of the casserole beautifully. And don’t forget a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it down!

Best Way to Store Hobo Casserole

To store any leftovers, let the Hobo Casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Just ensure that you reheat it thoroughly once you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers again!

Helpful Hints

For a little twist, you can play around with the type of cheese you use, or even substitute the ground beef for turkey for a leaner option. Adding spices such as paprika or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor even more. Cooking up this dish in smaller ramekins can make for delightful single servings that are easy to serve and perfect for meal prep!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here’s some room for creativity: Try adding sautéed bell peppers for a pop of color, or mushrooms for added earthiness. You could easily omit the meat and go for a veggie-only casserole with plenty of fresh vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian version. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Common questions

• What’s the prep time for Hobo Casserole?
  Preparation typically takes about 15-20 minutes, with baking adding another hour.

• Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
  Absolutely! A cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce can work wonders.

• How do I know when the casserole is done?
  It’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. A fork inserted should slide in easily.

This Hobo Casserole is sure to bring comfort and delight to your dining table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this classic dish!

Hobo Casserole

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• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce, topped with bubbling cheese. Perfect for family gatherings and busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred variety)
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a generously sized baking dish, create a layer of sliced potatoes.
4. Add the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
5. Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the layers.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire casserole.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
9. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, consider including garlic or herbs. You can substitute ground beef with turkey for a leaner option and play around with cheese types.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, ground beef, potatoes, family meal