Description
This Easy Hobo Casserole is a hearty and delicious one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s simple to prepare and bakes to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen or canned sliced potatoes (drained if canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Soup Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Others
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are tender. Season the mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
- Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half of the beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set nicely. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef to change up the flavor.
- For extra flavor and texture, add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or green bell peppers to the beef mixture before layering.
- Using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup makes this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
