If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a classic dish that never disappoints. The melty cheddar cheese on top adds that perfect golden finish, making every bite utterly delicious and satisfying. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s full of flavor and perfect for feeding the whole family on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy base and meaty goodness to the cheesy topping and fresh garnish.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein offering rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth to the meat.
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced (1 small): Brings sweetness and a tender bite when baked.
- Russet potatoes (3–4 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): The classic comfort carb with a creamy interior and crispy edges when baked.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5-ounce): Creates a luscious, rich sauce that coats every layer.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the soup mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic boost to the creamy sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully on top, giving the casserole a golden, bubbly crust.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with even cooking in your baking dish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and ready when your casserole goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe releases easily and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation of your casserole. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily and set the meat aside.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. This creamy mixture will soak into the potatoes and beef, adding moisture and loads of flavor throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, then scatter half of the sliced onions on top. Pour half of your soup mixture evenly over these layers. Repeat this exact layering process with the remaining ingredients — potatoes, beef, onions, and soup — to create a deliciously layered casserole.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, giving the potatoes enough time to soften fully and soak up the creamy flavors. This slow bake ensures everything melds beautifully while locking in moisture.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a golden, bubbly blanket that adds irresistible richness and a lovely texture contrast.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to firm up slightly and finish setting. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of fresh color and herbaceous brightness that complements the savory layers.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful green contrast but also a subtle freshness that balances the richness of this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe. For a little extra zing, you might try a light drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own, but pairing it with crisp steamed green beans or a simple garden salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances the hearty potatoes and beef. If you love a bit of extra veg, roasted carrots or sautéed spinach are excellent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins or signature cast-iron skillets. You can also turn leftovers into casserole-stuffed bell peppers for a colorful and fun twist perfect for lunches or lighter dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick, comforting meals later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Prepare it fully, then cover tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time, but be sure to cover and stir occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup works wonderfully, giving the casserole a slightly different but equally comforting flavor. Feel free to experiment based on what you prefer or have on hand.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes helps create a smoother texture in the layers, but if you enjoy more rustic flavors and added fiber, you can leave the skins on as long as you wash the potatoes well before slicing.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Bell peppers, frozen mixed veggies, or even spinach can be layered in with the beef for extra nutrition and a lovely pop of color in your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this dish is a kid-friendly favorite thanks to its creamy, cheesy layers and familiar flavors. It’s an easy way to sneak in some protein and potatoes that most kids love.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
A uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch ensures the potatoes cook evenly and get soft within the bake time. Too thick, and they might remain firm; too thin, and they could disintegrate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, give this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe a go. It’s a wonderful blend of hearty ingredients and comforting flavors that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your family’s dinner rotation. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredibly good!
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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting American classic, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients into an easy-to-make, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with salt and black pepper until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and set the beef aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined, which will add flavor and moisture to the casserole.
- Layer Ingredients: Begin layering the casserole by placing half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Add half of the cooked ground beef on top of the potatoes, then layer half of the sliced onions. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over these layers.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, onions, and the remaining soup mixture, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking and flavor throughout.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set for easier serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables or chopped bell peppers between layers for extra nutrition and color.
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through thoroughly and evenly during baking.
