Description
Hearty Hobo Casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables combine in a simple, satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 2 tbsps butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
- Meat Foundation: In a skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium heat, draining excess fat. Infuse with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor. Transfer the seasoned mixture to a holding area.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
- Layering Technique: Construct the casserole by alternating layers of potato slices, seasoned meat, and soup mixture. Strategically distribute each component to ensure even flavor distribution. Conclude the layering with a generous coating of shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of melted butter for richness.
- Baking Process: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese develops a golden, bubbling crust.
- Finishing Touch: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling ingredients to set and flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and subtle herbal essence.
Notes
- Potato Precision: Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Fat Management: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a lighter, cleaner dish.
- Cheese Coverage: Shred cheese freshly for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Altitude Adjustment: For high-altitude cooking, increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and consider slightly lowering oven temperature to ensure potatoes cook completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg