Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

Making hobo casserole brings back memories of cold nights spent around the fire, warm and cozy with loved ones. The warmth of a baked dish can transform the ordinary into something truly comforting. This dish combines simple ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, creating layers of rich flavors that make dinner feel special.

Hobo casserole stands out due to its homemade touch and ease of preparation. It quickly becomes a family favorite, offering a satisfying meal without fuss. The best part? It requires no fancy techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish has a way of bringing everyone together. The heartiness of the ground beef meets the creaminess of the mushroom soup, all topped with cheesy goodness. Let’s dive into those comforting layers and discover how to create this delicious hobo casserole.

Hobo Casserole Basics

Fundamentals

Hobo casserole is all about the fundamentals: simple ingredients cooked together to create a delightful and hearty meal. As the name suggests, this recipe originated from the idea of hobo cooking, where travelers would prepare meals over an open fire using whatever they had on hand. Today, this rustic charm becomes a comforting dinner option perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals.

This dish features star ingredients, including ground beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup. The combination creates rich flavors that meld beautifully, resulting in a casserole that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try hobo casserole, it’s likely to become a staple in your home.

Preparation/Setup

Begin your hobo casserole by gathering all necessary ingredients. You will need ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, butter, and paprika for garnish. Prepping these ingredients makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your baking dish ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and releases easily once it’s ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray.

Next, peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. Uniform slicing ensures that the potatoes cook at the same rate in the oven. Check to make sure the slices are no thicker than a quarter of an inch to allow for perfect tenderness.

Ingredients

For this delicious hobo casserole, you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

With these ingredients ready, you can easily assemble your casserole and enjoy a hearty meal in no time.

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Stir occasionally so that the beef cooks evenly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease for a healthier dish.

2. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined, letting the flavors meld.

3. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes and beef.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until the mixture becomes smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, making sure it seeps between the potatoes and beef.

5. Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle the melted butter over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

6. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown.

7. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika if desired for a pop of color.

Crafting the Perfect Hobo Casserole

Technique

Cooking hobo casserole involves several key techniques that ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Layering ingredients is one crucial aspect. Aim for even layers of potatoes and beef so that every bite contains a balance of flavors.

When sautéing the ground beef, ensure it browns evenly without burning. Stirring frequently helps achieve this golden-brown color, which adds depth to the flavor.

Mixing the cream of mushroom soup with milk creates a velvety texture that coats the layers beautifully. This step is essential because it adds moisture and richness, preventing the casserole from drying out while baking.

Tips and Tricks

To enhance your hobo casserole experience, consider these tips:

1. Layer Wisely: Ensure even distribution of every layer, especially the potatoes. This method guarantees a well-cooked dish throughout.

2. Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese provides classic flavor, you could also try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different tastes.

3. Vegetable Additions: Throw in frozen mixed vegetables or fresh greens to boost nutrition and color in your casserole.

4. Slicing Potatoes: For best results, use a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent thin slices, ensuring uniform cooking.

5. Make-Ahead Preparation: You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Elevating Your Hobo Casserole

Perfecting Results

Getting your hobo casserole just right may require some practice, but several factors can lead to perfect results. Monitoring cooking times is vital since ovens vary in actual temperatures. Adjust your baking time as needed and keep an eye on the casserole to achieve that golden finish.

Checking the tenderness of the potatoes before removing the casserole from the oven ensures you’ll serve a dish that everyone enjoys. A fork should easily pierce through the potatoes without resistance.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Sometimes, you may face challenges while making hobo casserole:

1. Soggy Bottom: If your casserole turns out soggy, reduce the amount of liquid in the cream of mushroom soup/milk mixture next time.

2. Overcooked Potatoes: Ensure you don’t stack potatoes too high, as uneven cooking can lead to some being undercooked.

3. Flavor Variations: For an added kick, include diced bell peppers or spices. Personalizing the dish to your taste makes it even more special.

Serving and Enjoying Hobo Casserole

Presentation

Once your hobo casserole comes out of the oven, allowing it to rest for a few minutes enhances its flavor. This resting period helps the layers settle, making it easier to serve.

To present, cut it into squares, showcasing those delicious layers. Serve hot, accompanied by a fresh garden salad or warm bread for a complete meal.

Savory Pairings and Storage

As this casserole shines as a comforting main dish, consider serving it alongside light accompaniments like steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. Both options balance the richness of the casserole while enhancing its flavors.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful dish more than once.

Conclusion

Hobo casserole brings together the joy of cooking and the comfort of homemade food. This layered dish showcases the use of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Preparing it allows you to create a delicious meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Let the warmth of hobo casserole fill your home and your heart as you gather around the table with loved ones. Each bite captures the essence of togetherness and joy in sharing good food. Embrace this comforting recipe and make it a part of your culinary journey.

Hobo Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting baked dish combining ground beef and layers of potatoes topped with creamy mushroom soup and cheddar cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, and stir until combined.
3. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef.
4. Mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth, and pour this mixture over the layers.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with melted butter. Cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika if desired.

Notes

Consider adding frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color. This casserole can be made a day in advance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal