Description
Hobo Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly American dinner combining seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, onions, and melted cheddar cheese in a single hearty casserole. This easy-to-make baked casserole is perfect for family meals and cherishing classic flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Soup Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef and onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add ground beef and sliced onions, cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until it is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the meat mixture: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture until well combined.
- Prepare soup mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the casserole – first layer: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture atop this layer.
- Assemble the casserole – second layer: Repeat by layering the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner substitute for the ground beef.
- Add chopped mushrooms, diced carrots, or green beans for additional vegetables and nutrition.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
