Description
Easy Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting American main course layering ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese. This budget-friendly, family-style dish is prepared quickly and baked to perfection, delivering a warm, satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Prepare Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, then spoon half of the soup mixture evenly on top. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a flavor variation.
- Add frozen peas or corn between the layers for extra vegetables and color.
- Ensure to drain excess grease from cooked beef to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
- Thinly slicing potatoes helps ensure they cook evenly and become tender during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
