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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

Introduction

When you’re short on time but craving a warm, hearty meal, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is the answer. It’s a nostalgic, no-fuss dish that combines savory flavors and wholesome ingredients in one baking dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this casserole is comfort food at its best – easy to prepare, satisfying, and budget-friendly.

The History of Hobo Casserole

The term “hobo” originated in the late 19th century, referring to traveling workers in the United States. These individuals often cooked meals over campfires using simple, accessible ingredients. The hobo casserole was born out of this tradition – a layered dish that requires minimal prep and maximizes flavor.

While today’s version is made in an oven rather than over an open fire, the spirit of simplicity and heartiness remains the same.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef – lean is best to avoid excess grease
• 4-5 medium russet potatoes – thinly sliced for quicker cooking
• 1 small onion – diced for added flavor
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup – adds creaminess and binds everything together
• 1/2 cup milk – thins the soup for a smooth sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – for that melty, gooey finish
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix soup and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
4. Layer potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add ground beef evenly over potatoes.
6. Scatter onions on top.
7. Pour the soup mixture evenly over everything.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
9. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Hobo Casserole

• Use a mandoline slicer for thin, even potato slices.
• Pre-cook the potatoes for 5 minutes in the microwave to speed up bake time.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra nutrition.
• Don’t over-season – the soup and cheese already add plenty of flavor.

Variations and Customizations

Make it your own with these twists:

• Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef and swap cheddar for pepper jack.
• Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage and layer with eggs and hash browns.
• Vegetarian: Use meatless crumbles or beans and add more veggies.
• Creamy Upgrade: Mix in sour cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the soup base.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Hobo Casserole is comforting and filling, it’s also quite customizable for healthier options:

• Lean meats or ground turkey reduce fat content.
• Low-fat cheese and soup can cut calories.
• Add greens or veggies to boost fiber and vitamins.
• Portion control is key, especially if you’re watching sodium or carbs.

A typical serving (1/6 of the dish) comes in at around 400–500 calories, depending on ingredients used.

FAQ

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking, or bake from frozen (add extra time).

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor and meltiness, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey jack for variety.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Yes! Just keep in mind they may cook faster, so check for doneness early.

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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

When you’re short on time but craving a warm, hearty meal, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is the answer. It’s a nostalgic, no-fuss dish that combines savory flavors and wholesome ingredients in one baking dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this casserole is comfort food at its best – easy to prepare, satisfying, and budget-friendly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 406 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 small onion
• 2 medium potatoes sliced thinly
• 4 slices American cheese
• 1 10-3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/8 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In an 8×8 casserole dish, layer the ground beef, onion, potatoes, and cheese. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Then, pour it over the cheesy meat and potato layers.
• Cover it with aluminum foil, and bake it in the oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Remove it from the oven, and sprinkle it with French-fried onions.
• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, and enjoy!

Notes

• Always save French fried onions for last, or they will become soggy. 
• Place the meat and potatoes in even layers to ensure they bake evenly.
• If you don’t have French-fried onions, you can also use crushed potato chips.
• To make it vegetarian, you can swap ground beef for textured vegetable protein and bulgar wheat.