why make this recipe
Hobo Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together familiar flavors in a satisfying dish. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With its hearty ingredients, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish, offering a good balance of proteins, carbs, and a bit of creaminess. The layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese meld wonderfully in the oven, making every bite delicious. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up ingredients you already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting friends for dinner, Hobo Casserole is sure to please!
how to make Hobo Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your casserole cooks evenly.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s no longer pink. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Add salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you like, such as garlic powder or paprika. This mixture will add flavor and creaminess to your casserole.
- In a casserole dish, start layering your ingredients. Place half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers. Add the remaining sliced potatoes, followed by the rest of the ground beef and finish with the remaining cheese. This layering method ensures that everything cooks evenly and adds great texture.
- Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour. The foil helps to keep the moisture in and cooks the potatoes thoroughly.
- After an hour, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
how to serve Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole can be served straight from the oven. To plate, cut it into squares and use a spatula to lift each piece from the dish. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer some crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy goodness.
For a nice touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for color before serving. This not only adds a little freshness but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
how to store Hobo Casserole
Storing Hobo Casserole is simple. Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
tips to make Hobo Casserole
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to brown the beef well. This adds deeper flavor to the dish.
- Potato Prep: For a quicker prep time, consider using pre-sliced or frozen potatoes. This saves time but ensure they are thawed if frozen.
- Cheese Options: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of cheeses for deeper flavors. Gouda, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist.
- Veggies: You can sneak in some veggies like bell peppers or corn between the layers for added nutrition and taste.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level according to your preference. Adding a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce can give it an extra kick if you like things a bit spicier.
variation
If you want to mix it up, there are plenty of fun variations you can try:
- Cheesy Chicken Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. This gives a new flavor profile and is great for using leftovers.
- Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef, and load up with your favorite vegetables.
- Spicy Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Use pepper jack cheese and spice it up with some taco seasoning for a southwestern twist.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Hobo Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add some extra time in the oven since it will be cold.
2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of sausage for different flavors.
3. What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a simple garden salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
By following this simple and comforting recipe, you’ll create a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite. Enjoy cooking and sharing Hobo Casserole with your loved ones!
Print
Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- In a casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the ground beef mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese or sneak in some vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, beef, potatoes, cheese, easy recipe