Why Make This Recipe
Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying meal for a crowd. The blend of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce makes it a complete meal all in one dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Ingredients:
- 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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until browned.
- Add the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes. Arrange the slices in two layers in the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layers. Pour the cream sauce over the beef and veggies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle French fried onions over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Serve Hobo Casserole straight from the dish. It pairs nicely with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up any delicious sauce.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole
- For extra flavor, add your favorite spices or herbs to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can modify Hobo Casserole by adding different vegetables like corn or carrots. You can also switch out the cream of mushroom soup for another variety, such as cream of chicken, for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
2. Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole. Make sure to let it cool completely, then cover tightly before freezing. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream in this recipe and will provide a similar texture and flavor.
Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks for about 7-10 minutes until browned.
- Add the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes. Arrange the slices in two layers in the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layers. Pour the cream sauce over the beef and veggies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle French fried onions over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite spices or substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy dinner