Looking for a comforting, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love? This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Hearty Potatoes is the ultimate answer. Combining the savory richness of ground beef with the wholesome goodness of potatoes, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table. It’s a rustic, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something filling and flavorful.
Rooted in simple, hearty cooking traditions, this casserole is often associated with easy, no-fuss meals that maximize flavor with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re exploring ground beef recipes or searching for easy casserole recipes, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves the classic pairing of ground beef and potatoes and wants a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up.
Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe, uncovering tips and tricks to make it your own. From ingredient choices to preparation steps, I’ve got everything you need to create a memorable potato dinner that will become a staple in your home.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect from this comforting dish:
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
This recipe falls under the realm of fast dinners while delivering a hearty, home-cooked feel. It’s ideal for anyone seeking beef recipes easy enough for beginners yet flavorful enough for seasoned cooks.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s break down the key components of this casserole and their roles in creating a delicious, cohesive dish:
- Ground Beef: The star protein, providing a rich, savory base that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Potatoes: Adds heartiness and texture, making this a filling potato dinner option.
- Onion: Enhances flavor with a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey topping that ties everything together.
- Condensed Soup: Acts as a binder, adding creaminess and a comforting flavor profile.
- Seasonings: Simple spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients.
These elements combine to create one of the best easy casserole recipes you’ll ever try, perfect for a quick family meal.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty casserole:
- – 1 pound ground beef
- – 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- – 1 medium onion, diced
- – 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- – 1/2 cup milk
PREPARATION
Follow these straightforward steps to bring this comforting casserole to life:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- In a small bowl, mix the condensed soup with milk, stirring until smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then pour half of the soup mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Hearty Potatoes Recipe
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Hearty Potatoes Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why Choose Ground Beef for Casseroles?
Ground beef is a fantastic choice for casseroles like this one due to its versatility and rich flavor. It cooks quickly, absorbs seasonings well, and pairs beautifully with starchy ingredients like potatoes. For those exploring ground beef recipes, it’s a budget-friendly protein that delivers big on taste, especially in hearty dishes.
Can I Use Different Potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for thinly sliced russet potatoes, you can experiment with Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a slightly firmer bite. The key is to slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking, making this a flexible potato dinner option.
How to Make This Dish Ahead of Time
One of the perks of easy casserole recipes like this is their make-ahead potential. Assemble the layers in your baking dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Customizing Your Casserole
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans between the layers. You can also swap cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. This adaptability makes it one of the best beef recipes easy to personalize.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
To avoid undercooked or mushy potatoes, slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch) and layer them evenly. If you’re short on time, parboil the slices for 5 minutes before assembling to speed up the baking process. This ensures your ground beef and potatoes dish is cooked to perfection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Freeze Hobo Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Prepare it up to the baking step, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. It’s a great option for planning fast dinners ahead of time.
What Can I Substitute for Condensed Soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, mixed with milk or broth. Season it with garlic and onion powder for a similar creamy base. This tweak keeps the dish among your favorite easy casserole recipes while adding a personal touch.
Is This Dish Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! The familiar flavors of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese make this a hit with children. Plus, it’s easy to cut into smaller portions. If your kids are picky eaters, you can omit onions or add their favorite veggies to make it one of their go-to potato dinner meals.
Conclusion
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Hearty Potatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation of ground beef recipes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish delivers on taste and convenience.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the magic of ground beef and potatoes coming together in perfect harmony. Don’t forget to share your experience or any fun twists you added in the comments—I’d love to hear how this recipe worked for you!