Description
Hearty Hobo Casserole brings comfort from American farmhouse kitchens with layered ground beef, potatoes, and savory vegetables. Rich flavors meld together in this one-pan wonder where simple ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 2–3 medium-sized Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (1¾ ounces or 50 grams)
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- French fried onions (for topping)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until it transforms from pink to a rich brown color, ensuring no pink remains.
- Add diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic to the browned meat, sautéing the vegetables until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
- Create a creamy binding sauce by whisking together condensed mushroom soup and tangy sour cream, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in an even, overlapping layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a sturdy foundation for the casserole.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potato base, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Pour the creamy soup and sour cream mixture uniformly across the top, allowing it to seep between the layers and infuse the dish with rich flavor.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a golden, melty topping.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender and the cheese melts completely.
- During the final 5 minutes of baking, garnish the top with crispy French fried onions, adding a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Comfort meets convenience in this hearty one-pan meal that brings rustic farmhouse flavors to your dinner table.
- Budget-friendly ingredients transform simple ground beef and potatoes into a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for feeding hungry families.
- Crispy French fried onion topping adds delightful crunch and golden-brown texture that elevates this classic homestyle dish.
- Creamy mushroom sauce binds the layers together, creating rich, satisfying bites that guarantee second helpings.
- Easily adaptable recipe welcomes extra vegetables or protein swaps to match your pantry and taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg