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The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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Looking for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal? The Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the answer to your cravings! Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soup, this casserole is a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners

Ingredients

To make the best Hobo Casserole, you’ll need:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. If desired, sauté the onion alongside the beef for added flavor.
  3. Layer the Ingredients:
  • Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  • Start with a layer of potato slices.
  • Add a layer of cooked ground beef and onions.
  • Spread a portion of the cream of mushroom soup on top.
  • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with soup.
  1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
  2. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Hobo Casserole

  • Customize the Layers: Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when ready to bake!

Why It’s Called “Hobo Casserole”

The term “Hobo Casserole” dates back to Depression-era cooking when meals were made with minimal ingredients. This casserole is a tribute to that resourcefulness, delivering a hearty dish with simple ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, delicious, and satisfying meals. Its versatility makes it a great choice for picky eaters, and its simplicity means you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

Serving and Storage Tips for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Fresh Sides: Serve your Hobo Casserole with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Add a Bread Option: Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread make for a delightful accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Garnish for Extra Flavor: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top before serving for added color and flavor.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Pro Tip: Use a freezer-safe, disposable aluminum pan for easy freezing and reheating.

Reheating Instructions

  • From the Refrigerator: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
  • From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For faster results, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45–60 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.

With these tips, your Hobo Casserole will taste just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners!

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Each option will give the casserole a slightly different flavor, so choose according to your preference.

2. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream soup alternative.

3. How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible (about 1/8 inch thick). A mandoline slicer can help with this. Also, make sure to overlap the slices slightly when layering to promote consistent cooking.

4. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker in the same order as the recipe and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to melt perfectly.

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The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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This Hobo Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s an easy, hearty recipe perfect for family dinners, combining simple ingredients for maximum flavor.

  • Author: xqppw
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for greasing the dish)
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Drain any excess fat and set the beef mixture aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

  1. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
  4. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef, spreading evenly.
  5. Add the remaining potato slices on top, followed by the rest of the soup mixture.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

4. Bake the Casserole:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

  1. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Potato Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin slices to ensure even cooking.
  • Variations: Add layers of vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

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