Hobo Casserole is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. This hearty casserole blends ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, creating a meal that family and friends will love. People adore this recipe for its simplicity and the nostalgic taste it offers. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up a satisfying meal for a crowd. What truly makes Hobo Casserole special is the layering of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in one dish.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an easy and beginner-friendly meal. With simple ingredients that are often found in your pantry, Hobo Casserole is also budget-friendly. It doesn’t take long to prepare, making it an excellent option for families. You can serve it to both kids and adults, and everyone will likely ask for seconds. Why buy pre-made meals when you can make something homemade that tastes so much better?
How to make Hobo Casserole
Making Hobo Casserole is simple and stress-free. You start by browning the meat and onions in a skillet. Then, layer the ingredients in a greased casserole dish. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized cooking skills. In no time, you will have a delicious meal ready for the oven. The total baking time is about an hour and fifteen minutes, allowing you to enjoy a hands-free cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then add half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Spread half of the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to serve Hobo Casserole
You can enjoy Hobo Casserole in many ways. It makes a great main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve it hot straight from the oven, alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. You can also enjoy Hobo Casserole as a comforting snack during chilly evenings. For breakfast, serve a slice with eggs or toast for a hearty start to your day. It’s versatile and perfect for any time of the day.
How to store Hobo Casserole
To store leftover Hobo Casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to make Hobo Casserole
For the best texture, make sure not to cut the potatoes too thin. You want them to hold up well during cooking. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add your favorite seasonings or hot sauce to the beef while cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the meat to ensure even cooking. And remember, letting it cool slightly before serving will help set the layers.
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Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole blending ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then add half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Spread half of the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid cutting the potatoes too thin. Feel free to add spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Variation
There are many ways to customize Hobo Casserole. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or black beans instead of meat. Feel free to experiment with different soups, such as cream of chicken or even cheddar cheese soup. Add different vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrients.
FAQs
Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Hobo Casserole the day before and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute in Hobo Casserole?
You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative, and use any type of cheese you prefer.
How should I store leftover Hobo Casserole?
Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for more extended storage.
