Why Make This Recipe
Hobo Casserole is a comforting and filling dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means you spend less time cleaning up! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, as it feeds many and is easy to prepare. Plus, it’s customizable – you can add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese!
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture. Then, spread the cream of mushroom soup over the top.
- Add the remaining potato slices on top and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is best served hot right out of the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is so hearty that it can stand alone, making it a favorite for busy dinners.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
If you have leftovers, Hobo Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole
- Use different types of cheese to change the flavor. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix works great!
- Add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute lean ground turkey for ground beef. Alternatively, swap the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cheese sauce to make it cheesy and creamy without the canned soup.
FAQs
Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day without needing to thaw.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup, or make a white sauce with milk and flour if you prefer not to use canned soup.
Can I add other meats?
Absolutely! You can add cooked sausage, diced ham, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile. Just make sure all meats are already cooked before adding.
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Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and filling one-pan dish combining ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture. Spread the cream of mushroom soup over the top.
- Add the remaining potato slices on top and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Experiment with different cheeses and add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
- 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: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg