Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Introduction

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, delicious, and simple-to-make dish that combines hearty ingredients into one tasty meal. This casserole is an excellent choice for a quick family dinner that won’t require hours in the kitchen. With layers of ground beef, creamy soups, and satisfying vegetables, this recipe offers a filling and flavorful experience.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

What you’ll need

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can of cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup whole milk
– 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time

Quick preparation steps

Prep Time: 20 minutes

If you’re pressed for time, rest assured this dish doesn’t take long to prepare. Thinly slicing the potatoes and pre-measuring your ingredients will speed up the process.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Time and servings

Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people

With a perfect balance of time and ease, Hobo Casserole is ideal for midweek family dinners or comfort food cravings that don’t demand hours of effort in the kitchen! The recipe yields generous portions that are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Season the cooked ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir the seasonings through the meat to evenly distribute them. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

In the greased baking dish, create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes as the base. Ensure the slices overlap slightly to cover the bottom entirely. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the layer of potatoes. Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the ground beef, spreading it carefully to coat the meat. Add shredded cheese as the next layer, sprinkling it generously over the soup.

Step 6: Add the Final Toppings

Top the dish with a layer of crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole for 45–50 minutes. Check to ensure that the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. The top should be golden and bubbly before removing it from the oven.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into individual portions and serve the hobo casserole warm. Pair it with a side salad or vegetables if desired.

Notes

Note 1: Potato Slicing

For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible. A mandolin slicer can be helpful for this step.

Note 2: Cheese Varieties

Feel free to experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, cheddar, or Colby Jack to customize the casserole’s flavor.

Note 3: Soup Alternatives

If desired, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup.

Note 4: Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the layers in the baking dish ahead of time. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.

Note 5: Reheating

Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave.

Cook Techniques

Layering Ingredients

One of the key techniques in preparing the hobo casserole is layering the ingredients strategically. Begin with a base layer of vegetables, followed by evenly spreading the ground beef mixture on top. This ensures all flavors blend well during cooking.

Seasoning the Ground Beef

Properly seasoning the ground beef is essential for flavor. Mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and other preferred seasonings before layering it in the casserole dish.

Using Aluminum Foil for Covering

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top layer from drying out during baking. This helps maintain moisture and allows the dish to cook evenly.

Cooking at the Right Temperature

Bake the casserole at the specified temperature in the recipe to ensure even cooking. Avoid raising the heat too high, as it may cause the edges to burn while leaving the center undercooked.

Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer or visually inspect the casserole to ensure it is fully cooked. The vegetables should be tender, and the ground beef should no longer be pink.

FAQ

Can I use other types of ground meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust the seasoning to complement the flavor of the chosen meat.

What kind of vegetables can I use in the hobo casserole?

The recipe typically includes vegetables like onion and potatoes. However, you can also add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini based on your preference.

Can I prepare the hobo casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze the hobo casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. For unbaked casseroles, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For baked casseroles, reheat directly from frozen at a lower temperature until heated through.

What can I serve with hobo casserole?

Hobo casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or rolls for a complete meal.

Do I need to precook the potatoes before layering?

No, the potatoes cook thoroughly in the oven while baking the casserole. Slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly.

Conclusion

The Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef combines simplicity, flavor, and heartiness into a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners. Its combination of ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes ensures a satisfying balance of textures and tastes, making it a versatile dish to please everyone at the table.

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