Why Make This Recipe
Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and busy folks. This recipe brings together ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a way that will satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any extra vegetables you have on hand, enhancing nutrition without adding much extra work!
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2-3 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional vegetables (e.g., corn, green beans)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In a baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven. You can place generous portions on plates and enjoy it as is. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread. This dish also makes for great leftovers, so feel free to serve it again the next day!
How to Store Hobo Casserole
To store Hobo Casserole, let it cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole
- For added flavor, try using different seasonings or herbs in the beef mixture, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the sliced potatoes for a few minutes before layering them to reduce baking time.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Variation
You can create a variation of Hobo Casserole by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Additionally, swapping the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery can change the flavor profile nicely.
FAQs
Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use fresh vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be added to the ground beef mixture or layered with the potatoes. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some warm bread. Enjoy it however you like!
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In a baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.