If you are craving a warm, hearty, and totally comforting meal, the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This dish combines tender slices of potatoes, savory ground beef seasoned to perfection, and the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese, all baked into a delicious casserole that feeds a crowd or becomes perfect leftovers. It is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet cozy and satisfying enough to feel like a special treat. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that truly embraces home-style cooking at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing layers of flavor, texture, and richness that balance beautifully without needing to overcomplicate the process.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that adds protein and a savory depth.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a subtle aromatic touch when cooked down.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances flavor with a gentle garlic kick without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle smokiness.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: These tender slices create the satisfying body and texture of the casserole.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Offers creamy moisture and a savory undertone.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup mixture to make it smooth and luscious.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top to create a golden, gooey, irresistible crust.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to grease the dish and add a subtle richness.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This simple step ensures that your casserole doesn’t stick and helps achieve a beautiful crust along the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the diced onion. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and the onions turn translucent. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat and stir well to blend those savory spices into every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This sauce is the magic glue that holds the casserole together, infusing the potatoes and ground beef with moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Begin by layering half of your thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture across the beef layer. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup, creating a beautiful stack ready for baking.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together into a warm, cohesive casserole.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the covered bake, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a golden, bubbly topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the casserole 5 to 10 minutes to rest. This helps it set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve, while also letting the flavors deepen even further.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions add a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness to cut through the richness. A dollop of sour cream on top can also add a creamy, tangy balance that complements the cheddar cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balances the meal perfectly. Consider lightly steamed broccoli or green beans tossed with a little lemon zest and olive oil to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This not only looks charming but makes it easy for guests to customize their plates. You can also experiment by adding sliced jalapeños under the cheese for a spicy kick or swapping the cheddar for a smoky gouda to change up the flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled properly helps maintain the texture of the potatoes and the creaminess of the sauce.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this casserole at a later date, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a bit of extra shredded cheese on top before reheating will revive that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic for its rich flavor and melting quality, but you can try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little extra spice. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy texture.
Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
Yes! You can use lean ground beef or swap for ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, consider low-fat cream of mushroom soup or make your own homemade version to control salt and cream content. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can also boost nutrition.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, pop it directly into the oven, increasing the bake time by about 10-15 minutes if needed since it will be cold.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by combining a béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk) with sautéed mushrooms and a bit of seasoning. This homemade mix can add even more flavor and control over ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chopped bell peppers, corn, peas, or carrots with the ground beef layer. These additions add color, texture, and extra nutrients, making the dish even more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is one of those comforting classic dishes that brings people together. Its layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese make every bite a pure delight. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling warm and full. I can’t recommend trying it enough — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting and easy-to-make layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck and combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble Layers: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, then evenly pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup mixture to form two complete layers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set slightly, which makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced potatoes for even cooking and layering.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor.
