Quick & Hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes an unexpected turn with this hearty hobo casserole ground beef delight that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of simple ingredients create a rustic masterpiece perfect for weeknight dinners.

Home cooks appreciate its no-fuss approach and budget-friendly components.

Each bite delivers a warm embrace of savory flavors that remind you of cherished childhood meals.

Potatoes, beef, and vegetables mingle together in a harmonious blend that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

You won’t believe how quickly this crowd-pleasing dish comes together in just one pan.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic unfold on your dinner table.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Highlights

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Combine Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and shrimp for a restaurant-quality meal that tastes incredibly sophisticated.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a gourmet dish in less than 30 minutes using just one skillet, minimal ingredients, and straightforward cooking techniques perfect for busy home cooks.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a creamy, indulgent pasta that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich sauce, tender shrimp, and irresistible blend of herbs and spices.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own personal culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients For Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for this comforting casserole.

• Potatoes, Onion: Potatoes add a satisfying starch and texture to the dish, while onions contribute a sweet and savory depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings add robust flavor and enhance the overall taste of the ground beef.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Create a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, golden topping that adds extra flavor and a beautiful finish to the dish.

Stepwise Instructions For Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, combine ground beef and finely diced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the seasonings into the beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Arrange a neat layer of sliced potatoes along the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.

Step 5: Build the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining sliced potatoes. Top these potatoes with the rest of the beef mixture, creating a hearty and delicious base for the casserole.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the entire casserole, making sure to cover all the layers.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.

Step 8: Cheese Topping and Final Bake

Remove the foil from the casserole. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This brief waiting period helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Cut into portions and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of this classic hobo casserole.

Kitchen Advice For Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed option.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Allow casserole to rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.

Flavor Options For Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Southwestern Fiesta: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap ground beef for lamb, incorporate oregano and rosemary, use feta cheese, and add sliced olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles, use vegetable broth instead of milk, and add diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Ranch Style: Mix ranch seasoning into the beef, use ranch dressing instead of soup, and sprinkle extra ranch powder on top before adding cheese for a tangy flavor profile.

Suggested Pairings For Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Serve this comforting casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side. The fresh greens balance the rich, meaty flavors and add a refreshing crunch to each bite.
• Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to your next outdoor gathering or potluck. It travels well in a covered dish and reheats easily, making it perfect for feeding a hungry group of friends and family.
• Transform this simple dish into a cozy dinner by pairing it with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy finish that elevates the entire meal.

Storing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Properly

• Store leftover Hobo Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems too dry when reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and easily pierced. This usually happens after about an hour of total baking time, with the layers becoming soft and slightly golden.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Hobo casserole is designed to be an economical meal using basic, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, canned soup, and cheese, making it perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables with its simple, rustic ingredients. Home cooks can easily prepare this satisfying meal that delivers classic flavors in one delicious dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat fully browns and onions become translucent, carefully draining any excess fat.
3. Enhance the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning throughout.
4. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer, creating a robust base for the casserole.
6. Construct the second layer by placing remaining potato slices on top of the beef, followed by the remaining beef mixture.
7. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk together in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
8. Gently pour the soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, and return to oven for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and potatoes become fork-tender.
11. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Thinly slice potatoes for faster, more even cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a more natural, less processed alternative.
• Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg