Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

Hobo casserole, a homey dish featuring layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy goodness, holds a special place in many kitchens. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The layers of flavors and textures come together beautifully, making it a go-to comfort food that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use simple ingredients—this is honest cooking at its best.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are plenty of reasons to whip up this hobo casserole recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly budget-friendly; you likely have most of the ingredients on hand already. With just a pound of ground beef and a handful of veggies, this dish feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s also straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those who might not have much experience in the kitchen.

"It was a hit with the whole family! Easy to make and so flavorful. Definitely adding this to our regular rotation!" — Jamie T.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress at a family gathering, this casserole ticks all the boxes. The combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese is simply irresistible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating your hobo casserole is easier than you think! Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:

1. Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish.
2. Layer the ingredients methodically—this ensures even cooking.
3. Bake it until everything is bubbly and golden brown, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Let it sit for a few moments before serving; this enhances the flavors even more.

Having this roadmap in mind can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delightful hobo casserole, here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

A quick note: If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version or use a low-fat milk. The cheddar cheese can also be replaced with your favorite variety or even a plant-based alternative if you have dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you’re equipped with your ingredients, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Brown the beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
4. Layer the potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
5. Add half of the meat mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk.
6. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, soup mixture, and cheese.
8. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and, if desired, sprinkle with paprika for an added touch.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. Trust me, this makes serving much easier!

Best Way to Serve

Hobo casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It stands wonderfully on its own, but if you’re in the mood for something extra, consider pairing it with:

• A fresh garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli for a nutrient boost
• Crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices

Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish visually and enhance the overall flavor.

Storage Tips

Making extra hobo casserole? No problem! Here’s how to store it safely:

• Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Reheat: To enjoy later, simply bake from frozen (add extra time) or thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Always ensure that any leftovers are cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety standards.

Expert Advice

To get the best possible results with your hobo casserole, consider these tips:

• Cut your potatoes thinly to ensure they cook through properly.
• Don’t rush the browning of the beef; this adds depth of flavor to your dish.
• Experiment with spices! Adding some Italian seasoning or your favorite hot sauce can give it a unique twist.

These small adjustments can enhance the overall flavor profile and make this dish truly your own.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun variations to consider:

• Mexican twist: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a fiesta feel. Top with avocado before serving.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and enrich with diced bell peppers and zucchini.
• Italian flair: Use marinara sauce instead of the cream of mushroom soup and top with mozzarella cheese.

These variations keep the recipe fun and fresh, ensuring you never tire of this classic dish!

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for hobo casserole?

Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes, and bake time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until completely warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

By following these guidelines, you’ll have a delicious hobo casserole that warms the heart and fills the belly. Enjoy!

Hobo Casserole

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• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A hearty hobo casserole featuring layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Brown the beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
4. Layer the potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
5. Add half of the meat mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk.
6. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, soup mixture, and cheese.
8. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with paprika, if desired.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, use a homemade version of cream of mushroom soup or low-fat milk. The cheese can be replaced with your favorite variety or a plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, easy recipes, weeknight meals