Description
Hearty hobo casserole delivers classic comfort with layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. Midwestern home cooking shines through this simple, satisfying dish that brings family together around one delicious skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- Optional: sliced green onions
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 10.75-ounce (305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French fried onions for topping
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until crumbly and no pink remains.
- Add diced onions, green bell peppers, and garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a separate mixing bowl, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Create a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, seasoning each layer lightly.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potato layers.
- Carefully pour the cream sauce across the entire casserole, using a spatula to spread it uniformly.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until potatoes become tender and the cheese develops a golden, bubbly crust.
- Scatter French fried onions across the casserole’s surface during the final 5 minutes of baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before serving to help it set.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of this hearty dish.
- Consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added nutrition and a unique flavor twist.
- Swap out condensed soup with homemade cream sauce to control sodium and eliminate processed ingredients.
- Make this casserole vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed alternative.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg