Delicious Hobo Casserole with ground beef and vegetables served in a dish

Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family meal. It’s simple to prepare and brings together tasty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. Not only is it filling, but it also allows for easy meal prep and leftovers. Make it once and enjoy the warm and cozy flavors of home-cooked goodness!

How to Make Hobo Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 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

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
  4. Grease a baking dish with the melted butter.
  5. Start layering the ingredients in your greased baking dish. Begin with half of the sliced potatoes, then add half of the beef mixture, and a third of the cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers, ending with the remaining cheese on top.
  6. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for about 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole

Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Sprinkle some paprika on top for an appealing finish!

How to Store Hobo Casserole

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Hobo Casserole will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying.

Tips to Make Hobo Casserole

  • For added flavor, you can mix in some vegetables like corn, carrots, or green beans.
  • If you want to make it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
  • Using leftover roasted potatoes instead of raw potatoes can speed up the cooking time.

Variation

Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a bit more baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use different kinds of soup?
Yes! You can try using cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute for cream of mushroom.

How can I adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller portions?
If you’re making a smaller casserole, reduce the cooking time by checking for doneness about 10-15 minutes earlier. For larger portions, you may need to extend the baking time until the potatoes are fully tender.