Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this classic Hobo Casserole, a dish that truly delivers on warmth and flavor. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom soup sauce are baked to golden perfection, all topped with a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It's a deliciously satisfying meal that brings simple, wholesome ingredients together for an unforgettable family dinner.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
60 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 25 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 servings
Keywords
Hobo Casseroleground beef recipeeasy dinnercomfort foodpotato casserolecheesy casserolefamily mealquick weeknight dinnercream of mushroom soupbeef and potato bake
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Hearty & Satisfying: A truly filling meal perfect for any appetite.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
- Minimal Fuss: Easy to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by all ages, a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
- Classic Comfort: Delivers that warm, nostalgic feeling of a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 pound) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped (approximately 150g)
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) onion powder
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) salt
- 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon) black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (approximately 600-700g)
- 298 grams (1 can, 10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 120 milliliters (½ cup) milk
- 150 grams (1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon) paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 15 grams (1 tablespoon) butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking once the casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish using a neutral cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticking.
- Slice the Potatoes. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds, ideally about 3-4 millimeters (1/8 to 1/4 inch) thick. Consistency in thickness is key for uniform cooking; thinner slices will cook more quickly and become beautifully tender within the casserole. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving perfectly even slices with ease and speed, but a sharp knife works just as well with careful technique.
- Cook the Ground Beef. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, and the onions have softened and become translucent, which typically takes about 7-10 minutes. This browning step adds depth of flavor to the meat. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Season the Beef. Season the cooked beef mixture generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these seasonings in thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed, infusing the meat with a rich aromatic base that will carry through the entire dish.
- Assemble the Casserole Layers. Begin layering the prepared ingredients in your greased baking dish. First, spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes in a single, even layer across the bottom of the dish. This forms a tender base for the casserole. Next, spoon half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly on top of the potatoes. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, creating a second potato layer, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture. This alternating structure ensures every bite has a mix of flavors and textures.
- Prepare and Pour the Creamy Sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Whisk these two ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates a rich, savory sauce that will bind the casserole and keep it moist during baking. Carefully pour this creamy soup mixture evenly over the assembled casserole layers, ensuring it seeps down between the ingredients. This will help tenderize the potatoes and infuse all layers with delicious flavor.
- Add Cheese and Bake. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire top surface of the casserole. For an extra golden and rich finish, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cheese. The butter helps the cheese melt beautifully and develop a lovely golden crust. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps the potatoes cook through. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and achieves a beautiful golden-brown color, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Rest, Serve, and Garnish. Once the casserole is removed from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the layers to set, making it much easier to scoop and serve without it falling apart. It also allows the internal temperatures to equalize for perfect enjoyment. If desired, sprinkle a touch of paprika over the top for a vibrant pop of color and a subtle extra layer of flavor before serving. Scoop out generous portions and savor this warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying hearty meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- Whisk
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Essential Success Tips
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: This is crucial for consistent cooking. A mandoline makes this task quick and uniform.
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: Removing excess grease prevents the casserole from becoming oily and ensures better flavor.
- Cover for Initial Bake: Keeping the casserole covered with foil initially helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they become perfectly tender.
- Don't Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the layers to set, making it much easier to portion cleanly.
- Season Your Layers: While the soup provides flavor, ensure your ground beef is well-seasoned for the best overall taste.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Layering for Texture: For an extra crispy top layer of potatoes, lightly toss the top half of the potato slices with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt before adding them. This can create a delicious textural contrast.
- Homemade Soup Base: While canned soup is convenient, for a richer, less processed flavor, consider making a simple béchamel sauce seasoned with mushroom bouillon instead of cream of mushroom soup.
- Caramelized Onions: Instead of simply softening the onions with the beef, take an extra 10-15 minutes to slowly caramelize them before adding the beef. This adds incredible depth and sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover Hobo Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a preheated oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) after the beef layers for added nutrition and color. Experiment with different cheeses, such as a sharp white cheddar or a Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef. Adjust cooking time slightly if necessary and ensure they are fully cooked through.
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?
No, there's no need to pre-cook the potatoes for this recipe. Slicing them thinly and covering the casserole during the initial baking phase allows them to steam and become perfectly tender within the sauce.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is specifically labeled gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels, especially for seasonings and cheese.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 35g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 25g (per serving, estimated)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, cream of mushroom soup). For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based milk and cheese, and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute or homemade béchamel with plant milk.
){kind=link}
No comment