Welcome to your new favorite family dinner! This classic hobo casserole ground beef recipe brings ultimate comfort food to your table with minimal effort. Imagine tender layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection under a blanket of cheese. It is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any busy weeknight, guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole
You will quickly discover why this hobo casserole ground beef recipe becomes a regular in your meal rotation. It simplifies dinner prep without sacrificing flavor.
- This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients found in any grocery store.
- It creates a hearty, satisfying, and fulfilling meal that feeds a crowd.
- It serves as a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families.
- You can easily customize it with different vegetables and cheeses to suit your taste.
- The casserole is ideal for making ahead and freezes beautifully for future meals.
Ingredients
This simple yet flavorful hobo casserole ground beef recipe relies on readily available ingredients. You will need savory ground beef, hearty potatoes, a creamy soup base, and sharp cheddar cheese to bring this classic dish to life.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French fried onions for topping
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use ground sausage for a bolder flavor.
- Russet Potatoes: Russets are ideal for their starchiness, which helps them hold their shape. Understanding the culinary science behind potato starch can help explain why certain varieties are best for specific dishes. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work, though they might be slightly firmer.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you dislike mushrooms, use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. For a homemade alternative, mix 1 cup béchamel sauce with a pinch of garlic powder.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar adds classic flavor, Colby, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are fantastic alternatives. Pepper Jack adds a subtle kick.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or diced carrots along with the bell pepper and onion for extra nutrition and color.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy hobo casserole ground beef recipe. Gather these kitchen essentials to make your cooking experience smooth and efficient.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
Creating this delicious hobo casserole ground beef recipe is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. Follow along for a perfectly baked, comforting meal.
- Step 1: Prep Oven & Dish Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Step 2: Cook Beef & Veggies In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks for about 7-10 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, then set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare Cream Sauce In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until thoroughly smooth and creamy. Season this sauce with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it complements the other layers of your hobo casserole.
- Step 4: Layer the Casserole Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes evenly. Arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer on the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, forming a second layer and seasoning again. Spoon the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over these potato layers. Pour the prepared cream sauce over the beef and veggies, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover everything.
- Step 5: Bake Initial Layer Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Continue baking until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 6: Finish with Crispy Onions Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle French fried onions over the entire top surface. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This brief second bake will make the onions wonderfully crispy and golden.
- Step 7: Cool & Serve Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve clean portions. Garnish your hearty hobo casserole with fresh sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the best results for your hobo casserole ground beef recipe is easy with a few simple tips. These pointers will help ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious meal every time.
- Uniform Potato Slices: Slice potatoes uniformly thin for even cooking. Inconsistent thickness can lead to some potatoes being undercooked while others are mushy.
- Drain Beef Properly: Always drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef. According to culinary experts, properly draining ground beef grease is crucial for preventing a greasy or watery finished dish. This prevents your casserole from becoming greasy and watery, maintaining a pleasant texture.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil. This protects the top while allowing the potatoes to finish cooking.
- Check Potato Tenderness: Before adding the final French fried onions, insert a fork into the potatoes. Ensure they are tender throughout, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Avoid Overmixing Sauce: Mix the creamy soup and sour cream just until combined. Overmixing can sometimes make the sauce too thin.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile hobo casserole ground beef recipe pairs well with many sides, stores beautifully, and adapts easily to new flavors. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal experience.
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed green beans or tender broccoli florets add essential vegetables to your plate.
- Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce.
- A tangy apple slaw provides a surprising yet delicious fresh crunch against the rich casserole.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover hobo casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Assemble Unbaked: You can assemble the entire unbaked casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freeze Unbaked: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole, tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm through. For a larger portion, cover loosely with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of chili flakes with the ground beef for a delightful heat.
- Extra Veggies: Boost nutrition and flavor by adding frozen corn, peas, or diced carrots to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses! Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for spice, or a rich Italian blend.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, add a packet of taco seasoning, and a can of drained diced green chiles to the beef mixture for a vibrant, south-of-the-border taste.
Nutrition
This hobo casserole ground beef recipe offers a substantial and satisfying meal. It provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling option for dinner.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
This information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Using leaner meats, low-fat sour cream, or reduced-fat cheese can help lower the fat content if desired.
FAQ
Got questions about this delicious hobo casserole ground beef recipe? Here are answers to some common inquiries to help you master this dish.
- Can I use frozen sliced potatoes? Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes, but thaw and pat them very dry before layering. This prevents excess moisture and ensures they cook properly.
- How do I prevent the casserole from being dry? Ensure you do not overbake it, and don’t drain too much fat from the beef (unless it’s excessive). Using full-fat sour cream also helps maintain moisture.
- What’s the best type of ground beef to use? For the best balance of flavor and less grease, 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef works wonderfully. Always drain any excess fat.
- Can I make this hobo casserole gluten-free? Yes, simply ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free and use gluten-free French fried onions or skip them. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free.
- How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through? Insert a knife or fork into the center of the casserole. If it goes through the potato layers easily with no resistance, they are perfectly cooked and tender.
Conclusion
This classic hobo casserole ground beef recipe is more than just a meal; it is a warm hug in a dish. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredibly comforting flavors, it perfectly embodies an easy, satisfying family dinner. We encourage you to try this delightful hobo casserole soon and experience its homemade goodness. Please share your feedback and tag us in your photos!
Hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe with Potatoes and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, then add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- In a bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange thinly sliced Russet potatoes in two layers in the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer; then spoon the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potatoes, and pour the cream sauce over everything.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole and bake for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle French fried onions over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until crispy; let cool briefly before serving, garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.