Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s easy to make and satisfying. This dish is a wonderful blend of ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese, topped with crispy fried onions. The combination of flavors and textures makes it an ideal dinner for families, especially when you want something warm and comforting. Baked to perfection, this casserole is sure to become a go-to weeknight dinner that pleases everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese creates a filling meal that satisfies your hunger and cravings.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole comes together quickly and is perfect for busy evenings.

3. One-Pan Meal

This dish is made in a single 9×13-inch baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

4. Creamy and Cheesy

The creamy mushroom and chicken soups, along with the melted cheddar cheese, make this casserole rich and indulgent.

5. Customizable

You can easily add your favorite vegetables or change the cheese to suit your preferences. You can even make it spicier with added chili flakes or hot sauce.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Salt
Ground black pepper
Diced onion
Diced red bell pepper
Diced green bell pepper
Russet potatoes
Evaporated milk
Cream of mushroom soup
Cream of chicken soup
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fried onions (for topping)

Variations

Vegetable Additions: You can add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a unique flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups to make the dish gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Drain off any excess fat and turn off the heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Place the slices into a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Once sliced, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Follow with half of the cooked meat mixture and then pour half of the sauce over it. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, sauce, and cheese.

Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake

Top the casserole with fried onions. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 75-80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature of the casserole reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the potatoes to absorb any remaining liquid, ensuring a rich and flavorful bite every time.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Potatoes Evenly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to slice them as uniformly as possible.
Use Fresh Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they are starchy and hold their shape well while baking.
Check for Doneness: Use a fork or knife to check the tenderness of the potatoes before removing the casserole from the oven.
Optional Layering: You can also add some cheese directly on top after broiling for an extra cheesy touch.

How to Serve

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with a side of green beans, steamed vegetables, or a simple garden salad. A slice of crusty bread can also complement the creamy richness of the casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a little extra cheese if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work as a substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

5. Is there a substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer not to use cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with an additional can of cream of mushroom soup or make your own homemade cream sauce.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free versions of the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, as well as gluten-free fried onions for the topping.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a little heat.

9. Can I make this casserole without the fried onions?

Yes, you can omit the fried onions if you prefer or substitute with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

10. How long does it take to bake?

It takes about 75-80 minutes to bake this casserole until the potatoes are tender. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of ground beef, creamy soups, shredded cheese, and crispy fried onions, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your liking and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy!