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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

A comforting and easy-to-make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef combining savory ground beef, sautéed vegetables, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal is hearty, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 45 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another few minutes until tender.
  2. Layer the Potatoes: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice potatoes very thinly to ensure even cooking. Grease a casserole dish and layer half the potato slices evenly across the bottom to create a sturdy base.
  3. Add the Beef Mixture and Sauce: Spread the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layer. Pour the cream of mushroom soup on top and spread gently to cover the entire surface, providing a creamy binder.
  4. Finish with Potato Layer and Cheese: Add the remaining potato slices as the top layer. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top to form a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is browned and bubbly.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes as thin as possible for even cooking and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Brown ground beef in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and to achieve rich sear.
  • Use fresh garlic and onion to elevate the flavor rather than powders.
  • Cover casserole during baking to lock in moisture and keep it juicy.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, one-dish meal, creamy casserole, family dinner