Description
Hearty Hobo Casserole blends comforting flavors of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in one delightful dish. Homemade goodness meets simple preparation, inviting you to savor a classic meal that warms both stomach and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the dish)
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it into small pieces while cooking.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Arrange a uniform layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato base.
- Pour half of the prepared soup mixture across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Top with remaining potato slices, then drizzle the remaining soup mixture to create a complete surface layer.
- Seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to oven uncovered.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving to enhance visual appeal and add fresh flavor.
Notes
- Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and limiting added salt during cooking.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg