Description
This Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese, topped with crispy French-fried onions. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ⅕ cup milk
- ½ cup French’s fried onions
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Add-ons
- Chopped garlic for extra flavor
- Diced bell peppers for a touch of sweetness
- Shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier casserole
- Sliced mushrooms for added earthiness
- Bacon bits for a smoky twist
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Layer: Place the ground beef into a lightly oiled iron skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to break it into smaller pieces and spread it out evenly across the pan for uniform cooking. Press the cooked ground beef evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Scatter the finely chopped onion evenly over the beef to add flavor and aroma.
- Add the Potato Layer: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the ground beef and onion layer. Season the potatoes lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor and tie the layers together.
- Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the potatoes, covering the entire surface to create a rich, gooey layer once baked.
- Mix Soup, Milk, Sauce, and Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and all-purpose seasoning. Stir the mixture until smooth and then pour it evenly over the cheese layer. This mixture adds moisture and flavor that will meld the casserole layers.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 70-80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This slow baking allows flavors to blend and potatoes to cook through thoroughly.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and crispy, providing a delightful contrasting texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy the hearty, creamy, and crunchy layers of this satisfying homestyle dish.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate optional garlic, bell peppers, or mushrooms when layering the casserole.
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice potatoes thinly and evenly for uniform cooking.
- To make the casserole spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- For a cheesier casserole, substitute or add shredded cheddar cheese in the cheese layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80-85 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole recipe, comfort food, creamy mushroom soup casserole
