Classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe (Print Version)

Classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is a comforting, easy meal. Layers of beef, potatoes, and veggies baked to bubbly perfection. A family favorite!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended)
02 - 4-5 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest skillet and get that ground beef sizzling over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, no pink in sight. I always listen for that satisfying sizzle – it’s the sound of dinner starting! Don't forget to drain off all that fat, or you'll end up with a greasy mess like I did that one time, oops. Seriously, squeeze it out with a paper towel if you have to!
02 - Once the beef is drained, toss in your diced onion. Let it soften for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for translucent, tender pieces, not crispy. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing, that sweet onion aroma mixing with the beef. I sometimes add a pinch of salt here to help them release their moisture faster – a little trick I picked up after rushing them once and ending up with crunchy bits.
03 - Now, let's get creamy! Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with the beef and onions. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and well combined. This is the heart of your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe, so make sure everything is happy together. I always take a quick sniff here; it should smell rich and savory. Don't worry if it looks a little thick; the potatoes will release some moisture.
04 - Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish – no need to grease it, the casserole has enough going on. Spread half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Then, dollop half of your beef and soup mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and then the rest of the beef mixture. This layering is key for making sure every bite of this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe gets some potato goodness. I sometimes get a little messy here, it's fine!
05 - Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45-50 minutes. You want those potatoes to get nice and tender. Peek after 40 minutes; if they're still firm, give it a bit more time. I once pulled it out too early, and we had slightly crunchy potatoes – not ideal! This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into something truly comforting.
06 - Remove the foil and sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Put it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Oh, the smell when that cheese starts to brown! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this helps it set a bit and prevents a soupy mess. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your baking dish; a snug fit is fine, but too much will make it take longer to cook and get mushy.
02 - Always let it rest for a few minutes after baking. It helps the layers settle and prevents it from falling apart when you scoop it.
03 - Thinly slicing the potatoes is crucial! If they're too thick, they won't cook through properly in the given time.
04 - For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large Skillet
02 - 9x13 inch Baking Dish

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g

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