A Comforting Feast: Hobo Casserole
Are you looking for a simple, filling meal that satisfies everyone’s appetite? Hobo casserole is your answer. This comforting dish combines ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, baked until hot and bubbly. It’s the perfect weekday dinner that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe, how to do it, and more!
Why Make This Recipe
Hobo casserole is perfect for many reasons. First, it is extremely straightforward. If you have a busy schedule, this dish saves you time. Just layer everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and you will have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Second, it is budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple and affordable. Most people have ground beef and potatoes at home, making this recipe easy to whip up without any special shopping trips.
Third, this casserole pleases everyone. Kids and adults alike enjoy its rich taste. Additionally, the creamy sauce and melty cheese make every bite comforting.
Finally, it’s versatile! You can customize the ingredients to fit your taste. Want more vegetables? Go for it! Prefer a different protein? You can use chicken or turkey. The possibilities are endless with hobo casserole, making it a go-to in your recipe collection.
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- If desired, sprinkle paprika over the cheese.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!How to Make Hobo Casserole
Making hobo casserole is an easy and enjoyable process. Just follow these straightforward steps.
Ingredients
To make a delightful hobo casserole, gather these ingredients:
- 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, thinly 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
Directions
To create this mouthwatering hobo casserole, follow these simple directions:
Prepare your baking dish: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup later.
Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Season the beef: While the beef is still warm in the skillet, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices into the meat.
Layer the casserole: Start layering the ingredients in your greased baking dish. Begin with half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
Add meat mixture: Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Add more potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the meat layer.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Optional garnish: If desired, sprinkle paprika over the cheese for added color and flavor.
Add butter: Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra richness.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 1 hour. Make sure the potatoes are tender when you check.
Cool and serve: Let the hobo casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and makes it easier to cut into portions.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Once your hobo casserole is ready, serving it is easy. Cut generous squares for everyone. This meal goes well with a simple green salad or a side of steamed veggies. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
For special occasions or gatherings, consider garnishing with fresh parsley to add a pop of color! Pair this meal with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
Storing leftover hobo casserole is quite simple. Allow it to cool completely after cooking. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container for storage.
Place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, you can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.
If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of your casserole.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick.
Add veggies: Include cooked carrots, peas, or green beans for extra nutrients and color.
Make it cheesy: If you love cheese, feel free to add more! A mix of different cheeses can elevate the flavor.
Try different proteins: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
Variations
You can easily modify hobo casserole to fit various tastes. Here are a few variations:
Vegetarian Version: Use black beans or lentils instead of ground beef. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini.
Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a jar of marinara sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or diced green chilies to the beef for heat.
FAQs
Can I make hobo casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in your baking dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, pork, or even shredded chicken. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make hobo casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Also, ensure that the seasonings you use are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal!
By following this recipe and the tips provided, you can create a wonderful hobo casserole that your family will love. Its rich flavor, combined with a fantastic texture, makes this dish a hit for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and sharing this delightful meal!