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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting one-pan dish featuring layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, budget-friendly meals, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 45 medium yellow potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups green beans or mixed vegetables (washed and trimmed)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/4 cup water or milk (to loosen soup)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/4 inch thick) for even cooking. Chop the onion and rinse the green beans or chosen vegetables thoroughly. Measure all seasonings ahead for smooth cooking.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. Stir in the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent.
  3. Layer the casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the green beans or veggies. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and vegetables to build layers.
  4. Add soup and seasoning: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with water or milk to loosen the consistency. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika evenly on top.
  5. Bake and add cheese: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes thin and uniformly for even cooking without raw or mushy spots.
  • Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and maintain concentrated flavor.
  • Use fresh seasonings and do not skimp on salt, pepper, and spices to elevate the dish.
  • Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets properly before serving.
  • Try substituting cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or cheese blends for different textures and flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, one-pan dinner, easy casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight meal, budget-friendly dinner