Easy Hobo Casserole
A heartwarming casserole filled with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soups for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef tender and juicy
- 1 cup onion, diced aromatic and flavorful
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced for that extra bite
- 1 teaspoon salt to enhance all the flavors
- 1 teaspoon black pepper adds a subtle heat
- 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced lusciously creamy once baked
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.7 oz) rich and hearty
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.7 oz) for creaminess
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz) adds lusciousness
- 1/2 cup milk for balance
- 2 cups shredded cheese melty, gooey goodness for topping
- Cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for your casserole.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir until the beef is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
- After draining any excess fat, season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Layering
- Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, creating an even base. Then, top this layer with half of the cooked beef mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth.
- Pour half of this creamy mixture over the beef layer and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring it’s tented so it doesn’t stick to the cheese as it melts.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
- Finally, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
To elevate your casserole, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavors. Keep layering even for consistent cooking, and don’t skip the resting time for clean portions.