Hobo Casserole Recipe
This Hobo Casserole Recipe is a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish made with ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this budget-friendly casserole is easy to make, customizable, and always a family favorite.
Ingredients
- For the Main Layers:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped (red or green)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Layers:
- 4 large russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and slice them thinly, then soak in cold water for 5-10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the creamy sauce on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 75 minutes.
- Crisp the topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Potato Prep Tip: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works best.
- Meat Variations: Ground turkey, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Fully bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.