Hobo Casserole: Quick Comfort Food for Any Night
Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together familiar flavors in an easy, one-dish format. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious without much fuss. This casserole is loved for its simplicity and satisfying qualities, making it a go-to recipe for families everywhere.
Why you’ll love it
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Hobo Casserole. First, it’s a classic comfort food that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a way that pleases the palate. Second, it’s versatile and can be altered based on what you have in your pantry. The combination of ingredients makes for a filling meal, bringing warmth and satisfaction. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering big flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Hobo Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily adapt Hobo Casserole to fit dietary preferences or to make use of what you have.
- Ground Beef: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use any cream soup, like chicken or celery, or make a homemade version if you prefer.
- Cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend for varied flavor.
- Vegetables: Consider adding frozen mixed vegetables or fresh green beans for added nutrition and color.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare your potatoes by slicing them thinly.
Step 2
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, add half of the cooked beef mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 5
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese and drizzle the melted butter over everything. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some paprika on top before serving.
Success tips
For the best results with your Hobo Casserole, keep these tips in mind:
- Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to avoid undercooked potatoes.
- Texture: Make sure your potatoes are sliced thinly to ensure even cooking.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid skipping the rest time after baking. Letting the casserole sit helps it firm up, making serving easier.
How to serve
Hobo Casserole is delicious on its own but also pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Storage & reheating
Store leftover Hobo Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just ensure it’s well-sealed. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I prevent the potatoes from being hard?
Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and cook covered for the first 45 minutes.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce during the beef cooking step for extra flavor depth.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Certainly! Use plant-based ground beef and omit any meat for a fully vegetarian meal.
What’s a good side dish to serve with Hobo Casserole?
Serve it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
While the dish can be hearty and rich due to the beef and cheese, it’s also packed with nutrients from the potatoes and onions. Depending on substitutions, the calorie count can vary widely.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole is a delightful mix of comfort and simplicity, ideal for busy nights and family gatherings. With its customizable nature, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Try making it tonight and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table!
Links to related recipes
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare your potatoes by slicing them thinly.
Cooking
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, add half of the cooked beef mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese and drizzle the melted butter over everything. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some paprika on top before serving.