hobo casserole with ground beef

Amanda Recipes January 25, 2025January 25, 2025

Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef

You might find yourself intrigued by Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, a dish that combines simplicity and comfort in a way that suits busy lifestyles. With layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soup, it offers a nostalgic nod to its origins while allowing for personal touches. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s also about how this dish evolved during tough times, turning resourcefulness into a beloved recipe. But what makes it a staple in so many homes today? The answer lies in its versatility and a few surprising twists you might not expect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why will you love this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef? First off, it’s quick to prepare—taking under 30 minutes, which is perfect for your busy schedule.

You’ll find the simple layering and baking process easy, regardless of your cooking skills. The recipe’s versatility lets you choose different types of potatoes and cheese, personalizing it to your taste. Additionally, it features budget-friendly ingredients that are easily found in stores.

Plus, you can prepare it the night before, saving time the next day. With a rich and hearty flavor from the ground beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce, it’s a comforting, filling meal.

The crispy fried onions on top add delightful texture, while incorporating veggies like bell peppers boosts flavor and nutrition. Enjoy delicious leftovers, too!

History

Hobo casserole has roots that tell a story of resilience and resourcefulness, reflecting the lives of those who lived through challenging times. The term “hobo” likely combines “hoe” and “boy,” describing itinerant farm workers who emerged after the Civil War.

As the transcontinental railroad completed, many sought temporary jobs in railroad construction and steel mills. Hobo communities formed, sharing food and creating what became known as “hobo stew.” This communal cooking tradition laid the groundwork for hobo casserole, a dish born from available ingredients.

During economic hardships like the Great Depression, it symbolized comfort and ingenuity. Over time, hobo casserole evolved, adapting to busy households while maintaining its core ingredients and cultural significance across the nation. Casseroles are celebrated for their versatility, ease of preparation, and are recognized as quintessential comfort food across the nation.

Recipe

Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy soups, all topped with melted cheese. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal that can be easily customized to your tastes. Additionally, this dish is easy to prepare and can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Whether you choose to bake it right away or save it for later, Hobo Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:
– 1-2 pounds of 80/20 or 90/10 lean ground beef
– 1 cup diced yellow onion
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
– 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350-375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onions and minced garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk until well combined. Pour half of this mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the soup layer. Then, repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soup mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil the casserole under high heat for 1-2 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

For best results, consider experimenting with different variations of this casserole. For instance, you can swap out the sliced potatoes for tater tots for a crispy twist, or add additional seasonings like cajun spice or chili powder for a kick.

You can also enhance the dish by sprinkling some French’s fried onions or crushed potato chips on top just before broiling for that perfect crunch. Enjoy your delicious Hobo Casserole!

Final Thoughts

While you may have many go-to meals for family gatherings, Hobo Casserole stands out for its comforting flavors and simplicity. This dish is versatile enough to be served at any meal, making it a convenient choice.

You’ll appreciate how quick it’s to prepare, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Although it’s high in calories and fat, it delivers a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a hearty option. Additionally, the use of 1 lb Ground Beef contributes to its substantial protein content.

Remember to layer your ingredients evenly for the best texture, and don’t hesitate to customize it with different potato varieties. Plus, cooking it in one dish makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a bonus in busy households.

Enjoy making this family-friendly staple!

FAQ

If you’re curious about making Hobo Casserole or want to tweak the recipe, you’ve come to the right place.

You can definitely cook it in a Dutch oven by browning the ground beef and onions first, then layering and baking. For a fun twist, replace sliced potatoes with tater tots.

If you prefer a slow cooker, layer your ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Regarding ingredients, lean ground beef works best, and you can use various cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Additionally, this dish is designed to serve 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners.

Don’t forget to cover the casserole while baking, but uncover it near the end for a nice crust.

Allow the dish to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.