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Hobo Casserole Recipe: Easy Cheesy Beef Bake for Family Dinner

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This hobo casserole is a classic, comforting beef and potato bake layered with gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese, creamy sauce, and pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s quick to assemble, hearty, and always a family favorite for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt, divided (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
  • Crushed buttery crackers or French fried onions (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick). Toss slices in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
  4. Add diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
  7. Arrange half the potato slices in the bottom of the casserole dish, overlapping slightly.
  8. Spoon half the beef-onion mixture over the potatoes and spread evenly.
  9. Pour half the creamy sauce over the beef layer, then sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  10. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheeses.
  11. If desired, sprinkle crushed crackers or French fried onions on top.
  12. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes thinly (1/8 inch). Par-cook potatoes for a crispier top. Drain beef well to avoid a soggy casserole. Shred your own cheese for better melt. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Add extra cheese or veggies as desired. Use gluten-free or dairy-free substitutes as needed.

Nutrition

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