Easy Hobo Casserole
This Hobo Casserole recipe offers a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features layers of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy potatoes baked together in one satisfying dish, customizable with your favorite ingredients for a quick and delicious dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced about 6 cups
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Chopped green onions optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Top with the remaining sliced potatoes, arranging them in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
- If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them thinly and uniformly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful. Don't skip the milk and butter mixture, as it is essential for tender and flavorful potatoes. Customize your vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or even frozen peas and corn. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Hobo Casserole freezes well for up to 3 months.