Description
Hobo Casserole is a hearty, rustic dish that brings together layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions, this one-dish meal is perfect for feeding a family or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. It’s the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French fried onions for topping
- Optional: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Grease the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and add additional spices like garlic powder or paprika if desired.
4. Layer the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Layer them evenly at the bottom of the greased casserole dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layers. Pour the cream sauce over the beef and vegetables, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure full coverage.
6. Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
7. Top with French Fried Onions
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle French fried onions on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and golden.
8. Finishing Touches
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional sliced green onions or fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a balanced meal. The rich flavors of the casserole are well complemented by lighter sides, adding freshness and texture to the meal.
Storage Tips
Hobo Casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Simply cover tightly or store in an airtight container. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It also freezes well; to freeze, wrap the casserole in foil or store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.
- This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap out vegetables, try different meats, or even make a vegetarian version without losing the comforting essence of the dish. The casserole can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep or busy nights. Plus, it freezes well, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready whenever you need it.