Description
This comforting Hobo Casserole recipe layers seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this hearty casserole is baked to golden perfection and served warm for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
Soups and Dairy
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (with or without garlic added)
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook beef mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef loses its pink color. Drain excess fat thoroughly. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Layer potatoes and beef: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Then spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Prepare soup mixture: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Whisk in the evaporated milk and regular milk until smooth. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the beef layer, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Pour the remaining soup mixture over top and finish by sprinkling with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil: Cover the casserole with a piece of aluminum foil, tenting it slightly to prevent the foil from touching and sticking to the cheese layer.
- Bake casserole: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour. After one hour, carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm from the pan, cuing on a wire rack if preferably cooling slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for richer flavor.
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly during baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a thicker casserole, reduce the milk slightly or add some grated cheese between layers.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set, making slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
