Hobo Casserole

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a warm casserole bubbling away in the oven. It reminds me of cozy family dinners after long days, the kind of meal that wraps around you like a soft blanket. My grandma used to whip up a dish she called "Hobo Casserole," a name that always made us giggle. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face, especially on chilly nights.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Now, let me tell you why you absolutely need this casserole in your life tonight. Hobo Casserole is a delightful medley of flavors—savory ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s one of those dishes that can feed the whole family without breaking the bank or taking all day to prepare. I love how versatile it is too! You can easily make it your own by switching up the vegetables or even trying out different cheeses. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder! Who doesn’t love less cleanup after a satisfying meal?

This dish takes minimal effort and maximum flavor, striking that perfect balance we all crave after a busy day. When you pop this beauty in the oven, the aroma that wafts through your home will have everyone asking, "What’s for dinner?" Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple on your dinner table.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious casserole:

• Ground Beef (1 pound): The star of the show! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option, but I find that beef adds such a delightful richness to the dish.

• Potatoes (4 large, sliced): These bad boys are like the sturdy foundation of a house. Yellow or Russet potatoes work beautifully here, giving you that creamy texture once they bake.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): This is your flavor enhancer—making everything oozingly delicious! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could whip up a homemade version for even more depth.

• Shredded Cheese (1 cup): Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it? I love using sharp cheddar, but feel free to go with mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.

• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Onions add that slightly sweet, aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish. You could also try using shallots or leeks for a different flavor profile.

• Salt and Pepper to taste: Always essential! These simple seasonings will highlight all the wonderful flavors; don’t be shy with them.

How this recipe comes together

Ready to dive into the cooking? Let’s map out the magic step by step.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to give it a good warm-up before the casserole goes in, so it bakes evenly.

2. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet, toss in the ground beef and chopped onion. Season generously with salt and pepper as you sauté until the meat is completely browned and the onions are softened. This step is crucial! That browning brings out so much flavor.

3. Layer the potatoes: Grab your trusty baking dish and arrange the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Overlapping them just slightly creates a lovely, hearty base.

4. Top with beef and onion: Spread that golden ground beef-onion combo evenly over the potatoes.

5. Creamy goodness: Spoon your cream of mushroom soup over the meat mixture. Don’t skimp here—this is where the creaminess comes from!

6. Cheese it up: Sprinkle that shredded cheese on top, letting it cascade down like a luxurious blanket.

7. Cover with foil: This will keep the moisture in and the potatoes tender while it bakes.

8. Bake for 1 hour: Allow it to work its magic in the oven. You’ll know it’s time to check when the whole house starts smelling incredible!

9. Uncover and finish baking: After an hour, kindly remove the foil and pop it back in for another 15 minutes. You want to see that cheese get all bubbly and golden—it’s pure perfection!

How to plate and pair

Serving Hobo Casserole is all about comfort. A simple spoonful in a cozy bowl will do just nicely. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce. And if you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of sour cream or chopped green onions on top for a bit of brightness.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole stores beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, just reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for speed.

If you happen to have a big batch and want to freeze it, you can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re craving it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Helpful cooking tips

• Don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much depth to the flavor.
• If you’re running short on time, try using pre-cooked ground beef for even faster prep.
• Want to sneak in more veggies? Consider layering some bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for an extra health boost.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can mix it up! Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or use a homemade béchamel for an elevated touch. Want a little heat? Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some chili flakes on top.

Ingredients

1. 1 pound ground beef
2. 4 large potatoes, sliced
3. 1 can cream of mushroom soup
4. 1 cup shredded cheese
5. 1 medium onion, chopped
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Layer the sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
4. Top with the browned beef and onion mixture.
5. Spread the cream of mushroom soup over the meat.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Common questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option.
2. What sides go well with Hobo Casserole? A crisp salad or some steamed veggies would pair perfectly!
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it when you’re ready.
4. How do I know when it’s done? It should be hot and bubbly, with the cheese melted and golden on top.
5. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? You can easily substitute with cream of chicken or make your own sauce.

This casserole is a hug in a dish, bringing a taste of nostalgia with every bite. I hope you’ll give it a whirl. Share your creations and any little tweaks you make—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Hobo Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 95 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Description

Hobo Casserole is a delightful medley of savory ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 4 large potatoes, sliced (Yellow or Russet recommended)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade version for more depth)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (or use shallots or leeks)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   It’s important to give it a good warm-up before baking.
   Mark as complete

2. Brown Beef and Onion

   In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion, seasoning with salt and pepper until meat is fully cooked.
   This step adds depth to the flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Layer Potatoes

   Arrange the sliced potatoes at the bottom of a baking dish, overlapping slightly.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Beef Mixture

   Spread the browned beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Cream Soup

   Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the meat mixture.
   Mark as complete

6. Sprinkle Cheese

   Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
   Mark as complete

7. Cover and Bake

   Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
   This keeps the moisture in and the potatoes tender.
   Mark as complete

8. Uncover and Bake Again

   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 2g

Protein 20g40%

---

Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.25 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You can customize this recipe with different vegetables or cheeses.

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, ground beef, potatoes, easy recipe