Homestyle Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef (Print Version)
Homestyle Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef brings comforting flavors and easy prep to your table. A hearty, budget-friendly meal perfect for any weeknight.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
03 -
1 large onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Goodness
05 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
06 -
1/2 cup whole milk
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Flavor & Texture Boosters
08 -
1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn blend)
→ Optional Finishes
09 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
10 -
Sour cream, for serving
11 -
Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (last 10 mins of bake)
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab your biggest skillet, the one that’s seen a million dinners, and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Once it’s all nice and crumbly, drain off any excess fat. This is where I always forget to really get it all out, but don't you dare! Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, that smell! It just screams "dinner's coming!"
02 -
Now, lower the heat to medium. Pour in that can of cream of mushroom soup, the milk, and give it a good stir until everything is smooth and combined. This is where the magic happens, creating that rich, savory sauce. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. I always taste it here, adjusting as needed – don't be shy with the seasoning! My mom always said, if it doesn't taste good now, it won't taste good later. So true!
03 -
Carefully fold in your diced potatoes and the frozen mixed vegetables. Make sure everything is coated in that creamy sauce. This step is about getting all those yummy components ready to bake into a cohesive, comforting dish. It’s okay if it looks a little crowded, it all settles down in the oven. I love seeing all the colors come together!
04 -
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sometimes I get a little messy here, spilling a rogue potato chunk, but that’s just part of the charm, right? Cover the dish tightly with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30 minutes. The potatoes need that time to get tender, so resist the urge to peek too much!
05 -
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Give it a gentle stir if you want, just to redistribute all that goodness. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender and the top is bubbly and lightly golden. This is where the edges get that lovely slightly browned crust.
06 -
Once it's out of the oven, let your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef rest for 5-10 minutes. This little break allows the sauce to thicken up just a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. It should look like a warm, inviting, bubbling masterpiece. The smell alone will have everyone rushing to the table!
# Notes:
01 -
A personal cooking tip: Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning beef, it steams instead of browns!
02 -
Storage advice: Leftovers are even better the next day, honestly. Just keep it airtight in the fridge.
03 -
Substitution: Tried sweet potatoes once, it was a surprisingly good twist!
04 -
Serving tip: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream makes it feel extra special.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 baking dish
03 -
mixing bowls
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 25g