Comforting Hobo Casserole

why make this recipe

Hobo Casserole is simple and filling. It uses ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy soup to make a warm one-dish meal. It costs little and feeds a family. For a similar idea with hash browns, see Beef Hash Brown Casserole.

introduction

This recipe is easy to follow. You can make it on a weeknight or for a potluck. It cooks in one dish, so you spend less time cleaning. You can add frozen vegetables or onion to make it more colorful and healthy.

how to make Hobo Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
4. Spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by the optional diced onion and mixed vegetables.
5. Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
6. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the entire dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
10. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving.

For a faster twist, try using frozen hash browns from this simple recipe: Beef Hash Brown Casserole.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, diced (optional)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
4. Spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by the optional diced onion and mixed vegetables.
5. Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
6. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the entire dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
10. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving.

how to serve Hobo Casserole

Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top. For a sweet side, try pairing with dishes like Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.

how to store Hobo Casserole

• To store in the fridge: cover the dish with foil or move to an airtight container. Use within 3 to 4 days.
• To freeze: cool fully, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, or use a freezer container. Freeze up to 2 months.
• To reheat: thaw in the fridge if frozen, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout, about 20–30 minutes.

tips to make Hobo Casserole

• Slice potatoes thin so they cook evenly.
• Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
• If you like more sauce, mix the soup with a little milk before pouring.
• Add frozen peas or carrots for color and nutrition.
• Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to set the layers.

variation (if any)

• Use cream of chicken or celery soup instead of mushroom for a different flavor.
• Swap sliced potatoes for frozen hash browns for a quicker bake.
• Try ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
• Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of sliced potatoes?
A: Yes. Layer prepared mashed potatoes on top and bake until hot and bubbly.

Q: Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables?
A: No. You can add them frozen. They will cook during baking.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use a meat substitute or cooked lentils and a vegetable stock based soup.

Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: They are done when a fork slides into the potatoes easily after the covered bake time.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 4–6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

Conclusion

For another take on this rustic beef-and-potato dish, see Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake – Taste Of … (https://tasteofrecipe.net/hobo-casserole-rustic-ground-beef-and-potato-bake/)

Hobo Casserole

A simple, filling one-dish meal made with ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy soup, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean beef for less grease.
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced Slice thinly for even cooking.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup For a different flavor, use cream of chicken or celery soup.
• 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice.
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Optional, can be added directly from the freezer.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
4. Spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by the optional diced onion and mixed vegetables.
5. Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
6. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the entire dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
10. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to set the layers. For storage, cover and keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.