Hobo Casserole

There’s something wonderfully comforting about hobo casserole that draws family and friends together around the kitchen table. This hearty dish combines simple ingredients into a warm and satisfying one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It not only fills hungry bellies but also provides a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times and the joy of shared meals.

Why Make This Recipe

• Hobo casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any palate.
• It uses affordable ingredients, making it budget-friendly for families.
• It’s an easy recipe that brings happiness and warmth to your dining experience.

How to Make Hobo Casserole

Creating this delicious hobo casserole is straightforward and doesn’t require culinary expertise. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to bring a delightful meal to your table.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. You will need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: vegetables like corn or green beans

With everything in place, you’re ready to start cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step, as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and develops that golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. As they cook, season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Allow the mixture to cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish

While the meat is cooking, take a greased casserole dish and layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom. This forms a delicious base that will soak up all the flavors from the layers above.

Step 5: Layer the Beef

Once the beef is cooked, evenly spread the mixture over the layer of potatoes. This provides a rich and hearty foundation for your casserole.

Step 6: Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup

Next, pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer. This creamy element binds everything together, creating a smooth texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 7: Layer the Vegetables

If you’re adding optional vegetables like corn or green beans, now is the time to include them! Layer these on top of the soup, adding both color and a nutritional boost.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

It’s time for the best part—sprinkling the shredded cheese on top. Choose your favorite variety, be it sharp cheddar for a bold flavor or a milder cheese for a comforting touch.

Step 9: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Let it bake for 1 hour. After the hour is up, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 15–20 minutes. This step will allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden.

Step 10: Serve

Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before digging in. This brief wait will help the layers set, making it easier to serve.

Storage Tips for Hobo Casserole

If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at 40°F or below.
• Freeze: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap securely in aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave, ensuring it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving Suggestions for Hobo Casserole

Hobo casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• Add a Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Bread Pairings: Complement the dish with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a filling meal.
• Garnishing Ideas: Top with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for an added touch of flavor.
• Pickled Vegetables: Offer a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast that brightens up the flavors.

No matter how you choose to serve it, hobo casserole is sure to please.

Tips to Make Hobo Casserole

• Beef Alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if you’re looking for a leaner option.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends for unique tastes.
• Vegetable Variety: Don’t be afraid to use whatever veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini, to customize to your liking.

Variations or Substitutions

You can easily modify the hobo casserole to fit your preferences. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite beans. This not only keeps the dish hearty but also caters to diverse dietary needs. For a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili powder to the mix.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: How can I make hobo casserole spicier?
A: For a kick, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before layering.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
A: Yes! You can use whole-grain potatoes or replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using low-fat ingredients.

As you can see, hobo casserole isn’t just easy to make—it’s also adaptable and can fit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. With its delicious layers and comforting flavors, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked meals.

So next time you’re in search of a satisfying dinner, look no further than this delightful hobo casserole. Bring your family together, serve a generous helping, and enjoy the warmth of good food and company.

Hobo Casserole

---

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a hearty casserole, perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: vegetables like corn or green beans

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. In a greased casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
4. Spread the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
5. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer.
6. If desired, layer optional vegetables on top of the soup.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: casserole, one-pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef