Hobo Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh potatoes and optional veggies makes this dish wholesome and lightly nutritious.
2. Ease of Preparation: This one-dish meal is easy to prepare, saving you time and making cleanup a breeze.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein from beef, and fiber from potatoes and vegetables, this casserole is both filling and nourishing.
4. Versatility: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a unique twist every time you make it.
5. Presentation: With its colorful layers and melted cheese, Hobo Casserole looks fantastic on any table.

You’ll feel excited to share this hearty meal!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour

(Note that times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4-5 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: mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
4. Spread the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
5. Add the mixed vegetables on top (if using).
6. Layer the remaining potatoes on top, then pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over everything.
7. Top with shredded cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve

1. For presentation, serve it directly from the baking dish for a rustic look.
2. Pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to balance the meal.
3. Slice into square portions for easy serving.
4. Enjoy with a cold glass of iced tea or your favorite soda.

This will make your dining experience complete!

Additional Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Customization: Swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Serving Suggestions: For a kick, serve with hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Broccoli Hobo Casserole: Add steamed broccoli to the layers for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning in the beef, and top with jalapeños and Mexican blend cheese for a spicy twist.
3. Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils or beans and add more mixed vegetables for a hearty meat-free option.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife for slicing
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoon

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables. Just add them straight to the layers without thawing.

2. Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
You can adjust it to be gluten-free or vegetarian by using alternatives like gluten-free soup or substituting meat.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.

4. How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add spices you love or swap out ingredients, such as different meats or veggies.

5. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole is a delightful and hearty meal perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. Its comforting flavors and vibrant layers make it an impressive dish that’s simple to prepare. With its flexibility, you can tailor it to suit any taste or occasion. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll create a comforting masterpiece everyone will love!

Hobo Casserole

A delightful and hearty casserole made with layers of potatoes, ground beef, vegetables, and topped with cheese, perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup Use gluten-free soup if necessary.
• 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice.
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional) Like peas and carrots.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Layering

1. In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
2. Spread the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables on top (if using).
4. Layer the remaining potatoes on top, then pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over everything.
5. Top with shredded cheese.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
3. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning. Can be customized with different vegetables or cheeses.