Welcome a truly comforting classic to your kitchen: the beloved hobo casserole with ground beef. This layered dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It is incredibly easy to prepare, offers fantastic versatility, and appeals to every member of the family. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that warms the soul.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole
You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy hobo casserole ground beef recipe for many wonderful reasons. It is the ultimate hearty, satisfying comfort food, perfect for any weeknight or gathering.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. It stretches your grocery budget beautifully.
- Quick Prep & Easy Cleanup: This is truly a one-dish meal, meaning minimal fuss in the kitchen. Enjoy more time at the table and less time washing up.
- Family Favorite: Its mild, savory flavors are a hit with everyone, even the pickiest eaters. It’s a reliable dish for feeding a crowd.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have in your pantry.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Each forkful delivers a comforting blend of tender potatoes, savory beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. This rustic ground beef and potato bake is sure to fill you up.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious hobo casserole ground beef meal:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- French fried onions, for topping
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize this fantastic hobo casserole with ground beef. For the ground beef, choose lean varieties like 90/10 or 93/7 to minimize fat, but always drain any excess grease after browning. When selecting potatoes, Russet potatoes are classic for their starchiness, but Yukon Gold also works well for a creamier texture; slice them thinly for even cooking.
If you are not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, swap it for condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. For sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese (softened) can offer similar creaminess and a tangy flavor. Feel free to boost your vegetable intake by adding frozen corn, peas, or diced carrots to the beef mixture. For the cheese, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend are all great alternatives to cheddar. Finally, if you do not have French fried onions, try crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese for a crunchy topping. Other Proteins: Cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey can easily replace the ground beef.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to make this comforting hobo casserole ground beef recipe. Keep these essential kitchen items handy:
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this delightful hobo casserole ground beef dish is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps for a comforting meal.
- Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.
- Brown Beef & Sauté Veggies: To ensure food safety, understanding the proper handling and cooking of safe minimum internal temperature for ground beef is crucial. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks for about 7-10 minutes until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: While the beef cooks, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a medium bowl. Mix these ingredients until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a flavorful base for your hobo casserole ground beef.
- Layer Casserole: Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes. Arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer in the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Repeat with a second layer of potatoes, seasoning again. Spoon the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layers. Pour the prepared cream sauce over the beef and veggies, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover everything.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the cream sauce completely. Bake the hobo casserole ground beef in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Final Crisp: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the French fried onions over the cheesy top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step makes the onions wonderfully crispy and adds a delightful texture.
- Rest & Serve: Let the casserole cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set and makes for easier serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hobo Casserole
Achieve perfect results every time you make this classic hobo casserole ground beef dish.
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: Ensure your potato slices are as thin and even as possible. This guarantees consistent cooking and tender potatoes throughout the casserole.
- Season Each Layer: Don’t forget to season the potato layers with salt and pepper. This builds flavor from the bottom up, making every bite delicious.
- Avoid Over-baking: Watch your baking time carefully. Over-baking can dry out the casserole and make the potatoes mushy.
- Even Browning: Break up the ground beef thoroughly as it cooks for even browning. This prevents large clumps and ensures the beef is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Troubleshooting Undercooked Potatoes: If potatoes are still firm after the initial bake, cover the casserole with foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. This traps steam and helps them soften without burning the top.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile hobo casserole with ground beef offers many possibilities for serving, storing, and adapting.
What to Serve with Hobo Casserole
This hearty hobo casserole ground beef dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A crisp, green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast. Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add a healthy touch. For a more substantial meal, serve with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. A tangy apple slaw also complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
To keep your hobo casserole fresh and safe, always follow USDA guidelines for safely storing cooked leftovers. Leftover hobo casserole with ground beef stores well. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For reheating, cover individual portions and microwave until hot, or bake larger portions covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your hobo casserole ground beef!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat alternative or a mix of lentils and mushrooms.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate diced carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or a spicy Monterey Jack blend.
- Tex-Mex Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of taco seasoning with the beef and top with crushed tortilla chips.
- Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning, a can of diced tomatoes, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Other Proteins: Cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey can easily replace the ground beef.
Nutrition Information
This estimated nutrition information for one serving of hobo casserole ground beef is provided for your convenience. Please note that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Protein | 25g |
This hobo casserole with ground beef offers a significant source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a very satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about making this hearty hobo casserole with ground beef.
- Can I use frozen potatoes? Yes, you can. If using frozen sliced potatoes or hash browns, thaw them first and pat them very dry to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- How do I prevent the casserole from being watery? Ensure you drain all excess fat from the cooked ground beef. Also, pat your sliced potatoes dry if they seem moist, and avoid over-layering the ingredients.
- Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free French fried onions. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
- What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, make a quick homemade béchamel sauce seasoned with mushroom powder.
Conclusion
This classic hobo casserole with ground beef is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredible flavor, it’s destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your family with this hearty and satisfying hobo casserole ground beef dish. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness it brings to your table!
Classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes
Equipment
- Oven
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large Skillet
- spatula
- bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 Russet potatoes medium-sized, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.75 oz
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- French fried onions for topping
- sliced green onions optional, for garnish
- chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing until smooth and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in two layers in the greased dish, seasoning each layer. Evenly spoon the cooked beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, then pour the cream sauce over the beef and veggies.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle French fried onions over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until crispy. Let cool slightly before serving, garnishing with green onions or parsley if desired.