Hearty Hobo Casserole
This hearty hobo casserole features seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes baked in a creamy soup base, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner.
Equipment
- large skillet
- medium bowl
- whisk
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- aluminum foil
- fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 can condensed cream of celery soup 10.5 oz
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder Optional
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme Optional
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet, then drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder and thyme.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potato layer. Scatter frozen mixed vegetables over the beef mixture.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the vegetables, then layer the remaining potato slices on top.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top potato layer, ensuring it's spread as evenly as possible.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown top, briefly broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef. You can customize the vegetables to your liking with other frozen options like broccoli or corn. If the casserole appears too dry after baking, a little extra milk or broth can be added during the last 15 minutes of baking.