Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe): The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) is a beloved, rustic comfort food featuring savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a crispy topping, making it an incredibly satisfying and easy casserole recipe for any weeknight meal.

Are you searching for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that tastes like a warm hug? Look no further than this incredible Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe). This classic beef casserole is a true family favorite, renowned for its simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and utterly delicious results. Layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked to golden perfection create a fulfilling beef dinner. It’s an easy casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a staple in countless kitchens. For more fantastic Ground Beef Recipes and other Easy Casserole Recipes, explore our site! Whether you call it Hobo Casserole or a hearty ground beef and potato bake, one thing is certain: this dish will become a cherished part of your meal rotation, offering a satisfying Beef Dinner solution.

Before we dive into this amazing Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe), let’s talk about some kitchen essentials that make meal prep a breeze. When it comes to preparing those thinly sliced potatoes or dicing onions and bell peppers, a good food processor makes all the difference. We highly recommend the Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor for its fast chopping and slicing capabilities, making meal prep a breeze for this and many other easy casserole recipes.

If you’re assembling this Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) ahead of time, or simply have delicious leftovers, proper storage is key. The Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9 is perfect for meal prep, offering leak-proof, stackable containers that keep your food fresh. For those who love to buy ground beef in bulk or want to freeze portions of this beef dinner for later, a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine is an invaluable tool. It keeps ingredients fresh longer and prevents freezer burn, ensuring your future meals are just as delicious.

While not strictly necessary for this recipe, a powerful blender like the Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender is a fantastic kitchen workhorse. Its 1000W motor can handle everything from smoothies to making homemade sauces for other dishes you might prepare, like a smooth cream sauce for a different beef casserole variation. Finally, if you’re looking to add a quick side of roasted vegetables to your beef dinner, or perhaps want an even crispier texture for your topping before adding it to the casserole, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt is excellent. Its large capacity and turbo-blaze technology roast vegetables perfectly, making it a versatile tool for any home cook.

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

• Ground Beef: 1 to 2 pounds, lean (80/20, 85/15, or 90/10 preferred). Ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
• Potatoes: 2-4 medium to large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick). Yukon Gold potatoes or frozen hash browns (diced or shredded) are also suggested.
• Onion: 1 small yellow or white onion, diced (about 1/2 cup).
• Cheese: 1/2 cup to 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar, Colby, Jack, or Monterey Jack are common). American cheese slices are also an option.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.5 or 10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup. Cream of chicken soup or cream of potato soup can also be used, or a combination.
• Milk: 1/8 cup to 1/2 cup milk (whole milk, half and half, or evaporated milk).
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup to 1 cup sour cream.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste (some recipes suggest 1 teaspoon each).
• French-fried onions: 1 to 1 1/2 cups (for topping). Crushed potato chips are an alternative topping.
• Optional Additions/Variations:
  • Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup diced green and/or red bell pepper.
  • Garlic: 1-2 cloves minced garlic or 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
  • Butter: 1/4 cup salted butter (for homemade sauce).
  • All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (for homemade sauce).
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup (for homemade sauce).
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (for homemade sauce).
  • Diced green chiles: 4 ounces (for homemade sauce).
  • Hot sauce: 1 teaspoon (like Tabasco, for homemade sauce).
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon.
  • Seasonings: Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning, onion powder, for added flavor.
  • Garnish: Sliced green onions, fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hobo Casserole

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or 8×8, 7×11) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium to medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks (7-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease. Season the cooked beef with salt and pepper. Optionally, add diced onion, diced green/red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté until vegetables are soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/4-inch thick. Some recipes suggest placing the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning, then draining and patting them dry before layering.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Canned Soup Method: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup (and/or cream of chicken/potato soup), milk (or evaporated milk/half and half), and sour cream (if using) until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and optionally add Worcestershire sauce.
   • Homemade Sauce Method (No Canned Soup): Melt 1/4 cup salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup sour cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and thickened. Stir in 4 ounces diced green chiles, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
   • Spread the cooked ground beef (and sautéed vegetables, if used) evenly over the potato layer.
   • Pour half of the prepared sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes.
   • Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, sauce, and cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (you can lightly spray the underside of the foil to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 50-80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the French-fried onions (or crushed potato chips) evenly over the top. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Some recipes suggest a quick broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown top.
8. Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with sliced green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)!

Hobo Casserole FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. What kind of potatoes are best for Hobo Casserole?

   Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and soak up the creamy sauce. They should be thinly sliced for even cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option for a creamier texture, and frozen hash browns (diced or shredded) can be used for convenience.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

   Yes, ground turkey or even sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef. If using leaner meats like ground turkey, you might consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil or beef stock for added moisture and flavor.

3. How can I prevent the casserole from being watery?

   Ensure you drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to remove excess grease. If using fresh potatoes, pat them dry after slicing. You can also bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.

4. Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?

   Yes, many recipes suggest assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it, then baking it the next day. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or a busy weeknight.

5. What can I use instead of canned cream of mushroom soup?

   You can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream, often with added spices like green chiles, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Cream of chicken or cream of potato soup are also common substitutions if you prefer using other canned varieties.

6. What kind of cheese is best for Hobo Casserole?

   Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend are commonly recommended for their flavor and meltiness. Remember, freshly shredded cheese melts better and offers a superior texture compared to pre-shredded options.

7. Can I add other vegetables to Hobo Casserole?

   Yes, diced carrots, green beans, corn, or other preferred vegetables can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté them with the ground beef or layer them with the potatoes.

8. How do I store leftovers?

   Leftover Hobo Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

9. Can Hobo Casserole be frozen?

   Yes, it can be prepared as a freezer meal. Assemble the casserole (without the French-fried onion topping), cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding the topping during the last few minutes of baking.

10. What are some variations for the topping?

    Besides French-fried onions, crushed potato chips (like plain or barbecue flavor) are a popular crunchy topping that adds another layer of texture and flavor to this comforting dish.

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