Are you ready to dive into a world of comfort food that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef! This dish is a fantastic option for quick family dinners, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, if you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll love how this casserole brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal your family will adore!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and filling, it’s a meal that will keep everyone satisfied.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile – you can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices!
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful Hobo Casserole, you’ll need the following 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 (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Hobo Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Mix until smooth.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with melted butter.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with paprika if desired, and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Hobo Casserole turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- For a creamier texture, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or use cream of chicken soup.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.
How to Serve
This Hobo Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my recipe for How to Make the Best Cheesy Broccoli in 15 Minutes for a delightful veggie side that pairs perfectly!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep!
For a sweet finish to your meal, consider making a dessert like Coconut Cake with Pineapple Filling: A Tropical Delight for Your Table. It’s the perfect way to round out your family dinner!
So there you have it! A delicious and easy Hobo Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for quick ground beef recipes for dinner or just a comforting meal to enjoy, this recipe has you covered. Happy cooking!
Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)
Ingredients
Meat
- 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 (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until browned.
- Layer sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish, then spread cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Mix mushroom soup with milk and pour over the layered ingredients. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.