Description
Hearty hobo casserole brings rustic comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables into one satisfying meal. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this classic dish perfect for family dinners when hungry crowds gather around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 cup (160 grams) onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic, minced
- 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.7 ounces/303 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.7 ounces/303 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (12 ounces/340 grams) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by spraying a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly cook ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Create the first layer of the casserole by evenly spreading sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, followed by distributing half of the seasoned beef mixture.
- Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, regular milk, and evaporated milk in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture develops a smooth, consistent texture that will bind the casserole ingredients.
- Construct the casserole’s secondary layer by pouring half of the soup mixture over the initial potato and beef layer. Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheese, then repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a slight tent to prevent direct contact with the cheese. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil after the initial baking period and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to develop a golden, bubbly surface.
- Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers settle and makes serving more manageable.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Use low-sodium soup options to control salt intake and create a more diet-friendly dish.
- Consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian adaptation of the recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg