Hobo Casserole Recipe

Hobo Casserole Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making a hearty dinner for your family. It’s packed with layers of meat, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, all baked together for a flavorful, satisfying dish. This casserole is named after its origins from campfire meals that could be made by wrapping ingredients in foil and cooking over an open fire, but this version is baked in the oven for convenience.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, and corn work great, or use fresh)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend of your choice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the casserole dish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly golden. This will bring out the sweetness of the onion and add flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Layers

Now it’s time to layer your casserole.

1. Layer the potatoes: Spread the thin potato slices evenly at the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Add the beef and onions: Spoon the cooked ground beef and onions over the potatoes.
3. Layer the vegetables: Add your mixed vegetables on top of the beef and onions.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole layers.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Check by poking a fork into the potatoes; they should be soft and cooked through.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Once the casserole is done baking, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Once everything is cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Optional Add-ins and Variations:

• Add seasoning: You can spice things up with paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.
• Add bacon: For extra flavor, sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the casserole along with the cheese.
• Use different meat: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different twist.
• Top with crispy onions: For extra texture, add French fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Tips:

• Make ahead: You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it the next day.
• Freezer-friendly: This dish can also be frozen before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Enjoy Your Hobo Casserole!

This Hobo Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a filling, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. It’s customizable to fit your tastes and ingredients on hand, and the whole family will love it!Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy