Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, savory soups, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Topped with crispy fried onions and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 4 medium yellow potatoes
Dairy
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 1/3 cup milk
Canned Goods and Condiments
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 10 oz can cream of celery soup
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1/2 cup French’s fried onions
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare ground beef: Add the ground beef to a lightly greased cast iron skillet or suitable baking dish. Break it apart with a spatula and spread evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Arrange the slices evenly over the seasoned ground beef in layers.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the potato layer, covering the surface.
- Mix soup and seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken and celery soups, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and all-purpose seasoning. Whisk until smooth.
- Add soup mixture: Spoon the soup mixture over the layered cheese, spreading it out with the back of a spoon for an even coating.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place a baking sheet underneath to catch any spills. Bake for 90 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Finish with onions: Remove from oven, discard foil, and sprinkle French’s fried onions over the top. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have a large cast iron skillet, use a 9×13 inch casserole dish, following the same layering and baking instructions.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or sliced onions between the potato layers.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave in single servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
