Description
This classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and comforting American dish featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner, it’s packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, all baked together to create a cheesy, flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Dairy and Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Essentials
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside for layering.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth, creating a flavorful creamy sauce to bind the casserole layers.
- Layer Ingredients: Begin assembling the casserole by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add half of the cooked ground beef on top, followed by half of the sliced onions. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over these layers. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and soup mixture to complete the layered structure.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble to a golden finish.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables or bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition and color.
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook thoroughly and evenly.
