Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes (Print Version)
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and potatoes is a rustic, comforting meal. Easy to make, it's a nostalgic dish that always hits the spot.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten (from soup)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
4-5 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
04 -
1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
→ Creamy Binder
05 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
06 -
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
→ Flavor Foundation
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 tsp garlic powder
09 -
1 tsp onion powder
10 -
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 -
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a large skillet or Dutch oven heating up over medium-high. Toss in your ground beef and diced onion. Break up that beef with a spoon, letting it brown nicely. Oh, and this is where I always forget to season it a little bit right off the bat, so don't be like me! Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and fragrant. You'll smell that amazing savory aroma filling your kitchen – that's the good stuff! Drain any excess fat; we want flavor, not grease, in our Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef.
02 -
Now, to that glorious beef and onion mixture, add your can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good stir until everything is wonderfully combined and smooth. This is the heart of your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, so make sure it's well-mixed. I once rushed this step and ended up with pockets of unmixed soup – not the end of the world, but it just wasn't as creamy. Keep stirring until it's lovely and uniform!
03 -
Next up, it's layering time! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread about half of your sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of your frozen mixed vegetables over the potatoes. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it's all part of the fun! Pour half of your creamy ground beef mixture over the veggies and potatoes, spreading it out. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, mixed veggies, and ground beef mixture. It's starting to look like a proper Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef now!
04 -
Once your layers are all nestled in, it's time for the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar generously over the top of your casserole. Don't be shy here; we want a beautiful, golden, bubbly crust. I've definitely overloaded on cheese before, and honestly, no regrets. It just makes the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef extra comforting. Make sure to get it right to the edges so every bite gets some cheesy goodness.
05 -
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45 minutes. The foil helps steam those potatoes and veggies until they're tender. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. That cheese will be starting to get all melty and happy! Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible!
06 -
Once your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart. Trust me, it's worth the wait. The flavors will meld, and it'll be perfectly warm and ready to scoop onto plates. It should look like a golden, bubbly, hearty dream, ready to make everyone happy!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; it steams instead of browns!
02 -
This casserole tastes even better the next day, trust me. Make it ahead!
03 -
Swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes adds a fun, unexpected sweetness.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving really brightens everything up.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
aluminum foil
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g