Hobo Casserole, also known as Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake, is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty dish brings together layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy French fried onions for an added crunch. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight. I have fond memories of my grandmother making a similar dish during family gatherings, and the delicious aroma that filled her kitchen always made my mouth water. This recipe is a tribute to those cherished times and brings that same warmth and comfort to my home.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
French fried onions, for topping
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature for even baking.
Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and makes for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add ½ cup of diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This combination of meat and veggies forms the flavorful base of the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce will bind the layers of the casserole together and add richness to the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes. Arrange the potato slices in two even layers at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Season each layer with a bit of salt and pepper. The potatoes provide a hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the beef and sauce as they bake.
Add the Beef and Vegetables: Spoon the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potato layers, spreading it out evenly. This ensures every bite contains a mix of beef, veggies, and potatoes.
Add the Cream Sauce: Pour the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream mixture over the beef and vegetables. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring all the ingredients are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey layer.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Add French Fried Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle a generous handful of French fried onions over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend to change up the taste.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or fried onions to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy variation.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole: Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The layers of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy onions make for a satisfying and delicious meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
This casserole is appealing not only for its rich flavors but also for its ease of preparation. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, it’s accessible for cooks of all levels. Plus, the combination of meat, vegetables, and potatoes makes it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
In summary, this Hobo Casserole is a must-try recipe that brings together the best elements of comfort food into one delectable dish. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 10.75-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French fried onions for topping
- Optional: sliced green onions chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.
Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in two even layers at the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potato layers, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour the cream sauce over the beef and vegetables, using a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Add Toppings and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle a generous handful of French fried onions over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley if desired.