Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe (Print Version)
This comforting Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe layers tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy sauce. A true family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
→ Creamy Sauce & Cheese
06 -
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (full-fat)
07 -
1/2 cup whole milk
08 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Seasonings
09 -
Salt, to taste
10 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s all browned up, drain any excess fat. This is where I always try to get it super crumbly, it just mixes better later on. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, the smell, it’s already promising good things!
02 -
Now, for the creamy goodness! In a medium bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup and the milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumpy bits; I once thought a few lumps wouldn't matter, but they do, trust me. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. This is your luscious binder that brings everything together in this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe. It should be pourable, but still thick enough to coat a spoon.
03 -
Time to layer! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of your sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon half of the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Follow that with half of the frozen mixed vegetables, spreading them out. Then, pour half of your creamy soup mixture over everything. This is where you really start to see the casserole take shape, all those vibrant layers!
04 -
You guessed it, repeat those layers! Add the remaining sliced potatoes, then the rest of the ground beef mixture, and the remaining mixed vegetables. Finally, pour the rest of the creamy soup mixture over the top. Make sure it's as evenly distributed as you can get it. I usually give the dish a little gentle shake to settle everything. This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is really coming together now!
05 -
Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of your casserole. Don't be shy here, it’s going to get all bubbly and golden. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You're looking for those potatoes to start getting tender, which they will under that foil-tent. The smell will start filling your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s almost ready!
06 -
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Now, return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden brown. I always poke a potato with a fork to check – if it slides in easily, you’re good to go! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is just perfect straight from the oven.
# Notes:
01 -
Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly for consistent cooking – I learned this the hard way!
02 -
For best leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.
03 -
Ground turkey works as a leaner swap for beef, just add a touch more fat when browning.
04 -
A side of crisp green salad is a nice contrast to the richness.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
medium bowl
04 -
whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 25-30g