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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat fully browns and onions become translucent, carefully draining any excess fat.
- Enhance the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning throughout.
- Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer, creating a robust base for the casserole.
- Construct the second layer by placing remaining potato slices on top of the beef, followed by the remaining beef mixture.
- Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk together in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Gently pour the soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
- 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.
- 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