Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. This layered casserole combines hearty ground beef, savory onions, and tender potatoes for a delightful meal that will warm your soul. Best of all, Hobo Casserole is easily customizable; add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Why Make Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole offers a fantastic balance between convenience and flavor. It is not only easy to prepare but also uses simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. This dish is health-conscious as it includes lean ground beef and fresh potatoes, providing essential nutrients for your family. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, making it an even better option for meal prep.
How to Make Hobo Casserole Step by Step
Ingredients
1 lb Lean Ground Beef
1 Small Yellow Onion, diced
4 Medium Russet Potatoes
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
1 cup Beef Broth or Water
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice the russet potatoes thinly.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then add the cooked beef and onion mixture.
- Top with the remaining potato slices.
- Pour beef broth or water over the top.
- If using, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Serve Hobo Casserole with a fresh garden salad to add some crunch and color to your meal. A side of steamed green beans or broccoli makes for a great veggie pairing. For an extra touch, serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some chives sprinkled on top.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer the Hobo Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Expert Tips for Cooking Hobo Casserole
- For added flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, for a twist on flavor.
- Make it a complete meal by adding frozen peas or corn to the beef mixture.
- Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; it makes serving easier.
Delicious Variations of Hobo Casserole
- Spicy Hobo Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Herbed Hobo Casserole: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill to elevate flavor.
- Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or a mix of colorful veggies for a lighter dish.
Hobo Casserole is a dish you must try! Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it an ideal meal for any occasion. No matter how you customize it, Hobo Casserole is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the deliciousness today!
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 Small Yellow Onion, diced
- 4 Medium Russet Potatoes Slice thinly for even cooking.
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional) You can use different types of cheese for variation.
- 1 cup Beef Broth or Water
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice the russet potatoes thinly.
Assembly
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then add the cooked beef and onion mixture.
- Top with the remaining potato slices.
- Pour beef broth or water over the top.
- If using, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
