Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Hobo Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Hobo Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom and chicken soup mixture, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy fried onions. This classic American casserole is perfect for family dinners and feeds a crowd with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup diced onion (about ½ a large onion)
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup fried onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with pan spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Stir in the salt and pepper for seasoning.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef and cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. Drain off any excess fat and turn off the heat.
  4. Slice Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Place the slices into a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning and remove some starch.
  5. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth and combined.
  6. Layer Ingredients: Drain the potato slices and pat dry with clean paper towels. Layer half of the potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  7. Layer Meat and Sauce: Spread half of the meat mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture on top, followed by 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, meat, sauce, and cheese layers.
  8. Top and Cover: Sprinkle the fried onions evenly on top of the final layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
  9. Bake: Bake the casserole for 75-80 minutes at 350 degrees F until the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the foil and broil under high heat for 1-2 minutes until the fried onions are golden brown.
  10. Rest: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the potatoes to absorb residual liquid and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat well before adding vegetables.
  • Soaking the potato slices in cold water helps prevent them from sticking together and reduces excess starch.
  • Use a sharp knife or mandoline for thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
  • Broiling at the end gives a nice crispy top, so watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American