Description
This easy and flavorful Hobo Casserole is a comforting dish packed with ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly casserole feeds a crowd with minimal prep and hearty ingredients that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Soups and Dairy
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (with or without garlic)
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain off excess grease thoroughly. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
- Layer Potatoes and Beef: Arrange a single layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Mix Soups and Milks: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth and combined. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the beef in the casserole. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly to avoid touching the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and the potatoes to fully cook.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. Serve warm.
Notes
- Slicing the Potatoes: Slice potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Let It Rest: Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving to improve texture and flavor melding.
- Use Time-Savers: Pre-chopped onions and pre-minced garlic can reduce prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Even Layers: Make sure to layer the beef, potatoes, soup mixture, and cheese evenly for consistent flavor and cooking.
- Cook Covered: Cover with foil during baking to prevent the top layer from drying out or overcooking. Remove foil near the end for a golden cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
