Hobo Casserole Recipe

Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with ground beef, vegetables, and creamy goodness. Layered with tender Russet potatoes, cheese, and topped with crispy French fried onions, this casserole is sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a hearty meal, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Here’s how to create this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• ½ cup yellow onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• French fried onions (for topping)

• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure the beef is evenly browned and no pink remains.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. If the beef mixture looks dry, add a splash of water (about ¼-½ cup) to keep everything moist.

4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper between layers of potatoes for extra seasoning.

   • Spoon the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture over the layer of potatoes.

   • Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and vegetables, spreading it out evenly across the dish.

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole:

   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.

7. Add the Topping:

   • Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle French fried onions over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra flavor, sprinkle with sliced green onions or fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy!

Hobo Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering. The combination of savory beef, creamy soup, cheesy goodness, and crunchy fried onions makes this casserole a favorite. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Feel free to add your personal touch to this recipe by customizing the vegetables or toppings to your liking. Enjoy every bite of this hearty casserole!