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The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Hobo Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s an easy, hearty recipe perfect for family dinners, combining simple ingredients for maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 34 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for greasing the dish)
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Drain any excess fat and set the beef mixture aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

  1. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
  4. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef, spreading evenly.
  5. Add the remaining potato slices on top, followed by the rest of the soup mixture.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

4. Bake the Casserole:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

  1. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Potato Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin slices to ensure even cooking.
  • Variations: Add layers of vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.