Easy Classic Hobo Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

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Hobo Casserole: Classic Comfort Food Recipe

A warm, baked dish right out of the oven that fills the house with wonderful smells is quite pleasant. The Hobo Casserole is a classic recipe that uses basic ingredients to make a tasty dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

The name “Hobo Casserole” derives from the idea of making a warm, healthy supper with cheap, common pantry items. This is something that people have been doing for years. This casserole has lasted the test of time, whether it was enterprising home cooks making the most of what they had or families gathering around the dinner table for a rustic but tasty meal.

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The best part of this recipe is the layers: seasoned ground beef, soft potatoes, creamy broth, and gooey melted cheese. Every bite is full of taste, rich, and comforting. This recipe makes you think of home-cooked meals and pleasant nights when you were a kid.

This Hobo Casserole is perfect for you if you want a simple, no-fuss dinner that tastes good and makes you feel good. It’s great for weeknights when you’re busy, making meals ahead of time, or even bringing to potlucks. It also doesn’t take much work—just stack the ingredients, put them in the oven, and let it do its thing!

Simple to make—no sophisticated methods or hard processes needed! Just stack and bake.
Easy on the wallet—uses simple, cheap ingredients that you probably already have at home.
You may make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
This is the best comfort food: warm, cheesy, and filling. Everyone loves it.
Tastes just as excellent (if not better) the second day. Great for leftovers!

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The name “Hobo Casserole” comes from the idea of making a warm, healthy supper with cheap, common materials from the pantry. This is something that has been done for generations. This casserole has lasted the test of time, whether it was creative home cooks making the most of what they had or families gathering around the dinner table for a rustic yet tasty meal.

The great layers of this recipe are what set it apart: seasoned ground beef, soft potatoes, creamy broth, and gooey melted cheese. Every bite is full of taste, cozy, and rich. It reminds me of home-cooked meals and comfortable nights when I was a kid.

This Hobo Casserole is perfect if you want a simple, no-fuss dinner that tastes great and makes you feel good. It’s great for hectic weeknights, making meals ahead of time, or even taking to potlucks. Plus, it doesn’t take much work—just layer the ingredients, put them in the oven, and let it do its thing!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Meat-based

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 medium potatoes, finely sliced
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

How to Make a Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Get the Ingredients Ready

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To keep the food from sticking, lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin, equal circles. The thinner the slices, the faster they will cook and get soft in the casserole. This step is considerably easier if you have a mandoline slicer.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra grease.

Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir carefully to disperse the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Put the ingredients in an oiled baking dish in layers:

Put half of the sliced potatoes in an equal layer on the bottom.
Put half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
Do the same with the rest of the steak and potatoes.

Step 4: Make the sauce that is creamy

Mix the cream of mushroom soup and the milk together in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring sure it gets into all the layers.

Step 5: Add the cheese and bake it.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese to give it a golden, rich finish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Have Fun

After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it set up and makes serving simpler. Sprinkle with a little paprika for a splash of color if preferred.

Scoop out ample servings and enjoy this warm, delicious, and fulfilling supper!

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Notes

Slice potatoes evenly – To achieve equal cooking, attempt to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. If some slices are excessively thick, they may take longer to cook.
Use thin potato slices – The thinner the potatoes, the faster they’ll cook. Aim for around ⅛-inch thick slices.
Prevent sticking – Greasing the baking dish well helps prevent the potatoes from clinging to the bottom. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to add extra seasonings such smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a dash of cayenne pepper for greater depth of flavor.
Soup alternatives – If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery works just as well. You may also make a homemade version by blending a roux with milk and sautéed onions or mushrooms.
Cheese variations – While cheddar is a standard choice, consider Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack for a variety. When you mix different cheeses, you can make the flavor more interesting.
Switch up the cheese – While cheddar is basic, try using mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses for added taste.
Add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture before pouring it over the casserole to make it creamier.
Double the batch – This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. Simply use a larger baking dish and increase the contents correspondingly.
Let it rest – Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the layers firm and makes serving simpler.
Make it beforehand – You may assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time and chill it. Just bake it when you’re ready!
Add veggies – Feel free to add in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach between the layers for extra nutrients.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: You may freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes if reheating a larger portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you choose a leaner option.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can switch it with cream of chicken or make your own by blending a roux (butter, flour, and milk) with sautéed mushrooms for a handmade touch.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and simmer on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are cooked.

What side dishes go nicely with this casserole?
This recipe works nicely with a simple green salad, steaming veggies, or a side of buttered dinner rolls.