Description
Hearty hobo casserole brings together ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a comforting one-dish meal. Midwestern home cooks have perfected this simple, budget-friendly recipe that satisfies hunger with classic flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for greasing the dish)
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef in skillet, breaking into crumbly texture while mixing in diced onions and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
- Flavor Enhancement: Drain meat’s excess fat, then season with salt and pepper; simultaneously whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce into a smooth, creamy base.
- Layering Technique: Create initial potato layer across baking dish’s bottom, seasoning lightly; spread seasoned beef evenly over potatoes, then cascade half the soup mixture completely covering the meat.
- Final Assembly: Arrange remaining potato slices on top, drizzling final soup mixture to ensure comprehensive coverage; seal dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cheese Finalization: Remove foil, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over surface, then return to oven uncovered for 15 additional minutes until cheese melts into golden, bubbling perfection.
- Serving Presentation: Rest casserole 5-10 minutes post-baking, then garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for vibrant color and fresh flavor profile.
Notes
Drain Ground Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
Choose Potato Variety Wisely: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which hold their shape better and create a more consistent layering in the casserole.
Prevent Potato Browning: Slice potatoes uniformly and consider soaking them in cold water before layering to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent discoloration.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a low-sodium or homemade alternative, and use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier version of the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg