Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole – A Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal!

Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole is a delightful and filling dish that warms the heart and soul. This budget-friendly comfort meal combines ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soup, making it an ideal choice for families. You can enjoy its savory taste without breaking the bank, and it’s a hit at any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole

This Hobo Casserole is not only easy to make, but it also offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy layers paired with tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal. Plus, it is versatile and allows for various ingredient substitutions based on what you have in your pantry.

Hobo Casserole

A budget-friendly comfort meal combining ground beef, creamy soup, and sliced potatoes, perfect for families.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 small onion, diced Add any other diced vegetables for flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Sauce and Dairy

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken.
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use different cheeses for flavor variation.

Potatoes

• 1 ½ lbs frozen or fresh sliced potatoes Thinly sliced for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped to garnish
• Extra shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain excess grease and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.

Assembling

• Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
• Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef.
• Add the remaining potatoes on top.
• Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Baking

• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

For variations, consider adding sour cream for creaminess, jalapeños for heat, or using different types of cheese. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze individual portions for up to two months.

Keyword Budget Meal, Casserole Recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, Hobo Casserole

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll love serving this nourishing casserole.

How to Make Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ lbs frozen or fresh sliced potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Drain excess grease and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
6. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
7. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
8. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
9. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef.
10. Add the remaining potatoes on top.
11. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
12. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
14. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole

Serve this hobo casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer warm bread or rolls on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. Leftover portions make great lunches the next day.

How to Store Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you wish to store it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to two months.

For reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole Perfect

• Uniform Potato Slices: For even cooking, ensure the potatoes are sliced uniformly. Thin slices (about 1/8 inch) work best.
• Extra Creaminess: Add a little sour cream or cream cheese to the creamy soup mixture for an even richer flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its versatility. Consider these flavor variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a veggie ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of cream soup.
• Cheesy Broccoli Version: Add thawed, chopped frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli florets on top of the potatoes.
• Mexican Twist: Incorporate diced tomatoes, black beans, and taco seasoning for a southwestern flair.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Keep an eye on the beef while cooking. You want it browned but not dry.
• Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
• Test Potato Tenderness: Ensure the potatoes are fork-tender before removing them from the oven for the best texture.

FAQs About Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole

Final Thoughts

Easy & Hearty Hobo Casserole is a true delight for any family. This dish checks all the boxes for being flavorful, satisfying, and economical. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just preparing a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Embrace the comfort of home cooking with this heartwarming casserole that delights everyone at the table. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the joy of great flavor with every bite!