Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, mixed vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup, this casserole is topped with melted cheddar cheese for a savory finish. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
Liquids and Soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients together.
- Assemble Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the mixed vegetables over the potatoes. Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top. Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, mixed vegetables, and soup mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the layered casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Continue baking uncovered for 10-15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of beef broth or water slightly.
- Add other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps cook the potatoes evenly and retain moisture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
