Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a comforting, layered dish featuring browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together with basic ingredients and offers a deliciously cheesy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare the Casserole: Begin layering the casserole by spreading the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Next, layer the cream of mushroom soup over the beef. Then, add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on top. Drizzle the melted butter over the potato layer and season again with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Cheese: Pour the milk evenly over all the layers to help meld the flavors and add moisture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a rich and gooey finish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy a warm, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For easier slicing, soak the potatoes in cold water before layering to remove excess starch.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when seasoning the beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
