Hobo Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and wonderfully simple to prepare, look no further than Hobo Casserole. This cozy, satisfying classic layers tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar into a bubbling bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing dish you’ll keep coming back to—so easy to love, and even easier to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for Hobo Casserole is a breeze, and each ingredient brings its own special magic to the table. From the juicy beef to the creamy sauce and gooey cheese, here’s what makes every layer shine:
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides savory flavor and hearty protein, forming the base of the casserole.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth; sautéing with the beef brings out its natural aroma.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps every bite balanced.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice and rounds out the seasoning.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5-ounce can): Creates a rich, velvety sauce that binds everything together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Provides tang and extra creaminess for that perfect casserole texture.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce so it soaks beautifully into the potatoes.
- Thinly sliced potatoes (4 cups, about 3–4 medium): The heart of the casserole, these become tender and soak up all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Delivers that irresistible melty, gooey topping every great casserole needs.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks and serving is a cinch. This simple step sets the stage for everything to come together perfectly.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together. Stir frequently until the beef is nicely browned and the onions turn soft and fragrant, about 7 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for a burst of flavor, then drain away any excess grease so your Hobo Casserole stays deliciously rich but never greasy.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will seep into the potatoes as it bakes, giving the entire casserole a dreamy, comforting texture.
Step 4: Layer Everything Up
Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half the beef-onion mixture, then pour on half of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce to build a beautiful, even casserole that bakes perfectly every time.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Covering ensures all that moisture stays in, softening the potatoes and melding the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping
Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and turn irresistibly golden—just the way a Hobo Casserole should be!
Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, let your casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This gives it time to set up so those gorgeous layers stay intact. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Garnishes
While Hobo Casserole is plenty delicious on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a splash of color and a hit of freshness. For a little zing, try a handful of sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika. These simple touches elevate the dish and make it pop on the dinner table.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or buttered corn are all classic choices that provide balance and a bit of crunch. For a cozier meal, serve with warm rolls or crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by baking individual portions in ramekins for a fun dinner party twist, or serve Hobo Casserole in rustic bowls with a scattering of extra cheese on top. You can even add a sprinkle of crushed potato chips or French fried onions for a playful, crunchy topping that’s always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hobo Casserole (lucky you!), simply let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Hobo Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Assemble and bake as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly in foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until bubbling and hot. If needed, add a splash of milk to keep things moist, and always finish with a fresh sprinkle of cheese for that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well in Hobo Casserole. Just keep an eye on fat content—leaner meats may need a touch more sour cream or milk for extra moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, green beans, or corn for extra color and nutrition. Just layer them in along with the potatoes or beef for best results.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great substitutes and will give your Hobo Casserole a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Hobo Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. The creamy sauce and potatoes will still make for a comforting, flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that hits all the comfort food notes and brings everyone running to the table, give Hobo Casserole a try. It’s easy, cozy, and endlessly adaptable—sure to become a fast favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!
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Hobo Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender sliced potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make American classic that makes a perfect family dinner, combining simple ingredients into a flavorful baked casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Soup and Dairy
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 3–4 medium potatoes)
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth to create a creamy layer that complements the potatoes and meat.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then spoon half of the creamy soup mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture to build the casserole structure.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, which helps it set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
- Add green beans or corn for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- For a shortcut, use frozen diced potatoes like hash browns instead of slicing fresh potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
