Nothing says comfort food like a hearty casserole straight from your oven. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal, The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping for the week. Let’s dive in and explore every step to making this irresistible casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a nostalgic nod to traditional hobo dinners made over a campfire. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a cozy, filling meal that’s both delicious and versatile. The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and melty cheese make this casserole a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Potatoes, thinly sliced | 2 medium |
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 ounces) |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing and thinly slicing the potatoes. Dice the onion into small pieces, and measure out all the ingredients to streamline the process.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will serve as the casserole’s rich, flavorful base.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients:
- Start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture evenly on top.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
5. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. This will create a gooey, golden crust when baked.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Tips for the Perfect Hobo Casserole
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Their firmness holds up well during baking.
2. Add Extra Veggies
For a nutrient boost, consider adding layers of sliced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
3. Spice it Up
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture.
4. Make It Gluten-Free
Substitute the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving (serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Creative Variations
1. Mexican-Style Hobo Casserole
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add a layer of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
2. Breakfast Hobo Casserole
Replace the ground beef with breakfast sausage, and add scrambled eggs as a layer.
3. Vegetarian Option
Skip the ground beef and use lentils or black beans instead. They provide a hearty texture and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your hobo casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes great with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
FAQs About Hobo Casserole
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I Freeze Hobo Casserole?
Yes! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
4. What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or gouda for a unique twist.
5. Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and pair well with the creamy sauce.
6. Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly?
Definitely! With simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe, it’s time to bring this classic dish to your table. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this casserole is always a hit.
Ready to try it out? Gather your ingredients and start cooking today! Your family will thank you.
The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Hobo Casserole is comfort food at its finest! Featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy sauce topped with melty cheddar cheese, this hearty casserole is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. A nostalgic dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes.
- Dice the onion into small pieces.
- Measure out all the ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients in this order:
- A layer of sliced potatoes.
- Half of the ground beef and onion mixture.
- Half of the soup mixture.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Potato Type: Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture.
- Add-Ins: Enhance nutrition with sliced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American