If you are on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dish that brings everyone around the table with smiles, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful layering of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheddar cheese that bakes together into a warm, bubbling casserole. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients that contribute to this casserole’s rich taste and appealing texture is the first step to success. Each item is chosen not only for flavor but also for the way it melds together to create a satisfying, colorful one-dish meal.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory, hearty base that makes this casserole so filling and satisfying.
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: Adds a creamy, starchy layer that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers subtle sweetness and depth to the meat and vegetable mix.
- 2 carrots, diced: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and bright orange color for visual appeal.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds freshness and a slight crunch that balances the texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder, keeping everything moist with a rich, comforting taste.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden perfection, adding a sharp and creamy finish on top.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle kick that livens up each bite.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a savory, aromatic warmth into the beef.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and vibrant color to the meat.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh herb garnish that brightens the final look and taste.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. This step preps the foundation for building your casserole layers.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika as it cooks. These spices infuse the meat with a rich, savory depth. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté just until they start to soften, which helps develop their sweetness while bonding their flavors with the beef residue left behind. This adds a wonderful layer of flavor complexity to your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun part—layering! Begin with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of your baking dish, followed by a layer of the cooked ground beef, then the sautéed veggies, and a generous spoonful of cream of mushroom soup. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of potatoes on top to create a beautifully textured crust.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture for a tender casserole. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are cooked through.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle perfectly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and herbal freshness that complements the rich casserole.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley or chives sprinkled over the casserole adds lovely color and a light herbal aroma that counterbalances the richness. If you like a bit of zest, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side also works brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you want to add some green, a simple side salad or steamed green beans enhances the meal with a fresh, crisp texture. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a bright cucumber salad are other fantastic choices to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this dish party-ready by serving it in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also sprinkle different cheeses on top — try pepper jack or smoked gouda to change the flavor profile up. For a gluten-free twist, be sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and you’re set!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day meals that taste just as comforting.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven will help keep the potatoes tender and the cheese melty without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this recipe, you can swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and you’ll have a gluten-free comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to mix in other diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to customize the flavor and add more color and nutrients.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and beans, and use a vegetarian cream soup to keep it hearty yet meat-free.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?
Thin slices help the potatoes cook evenly and layer nicely. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife to get slices about 1/8 inch thick is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again when you want a no-fuss, satisfying meal. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Spices & Herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until fully browned, then drain excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until they become slightly softened but still retain some texture.
- Layer ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of the cooked ground beef, then the sautéed vegetables, and spoon over some cream of mushroom soup. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of potatoes.
- Add cheese and cover: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, slice the potatoes uniformly thin.
- Drain the fat well from the ground beef to avoid greasy casserole.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps cook the potatoes through and prevents the cheese from drying out.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time if baking from cold.
