In today’s fast-paced world, finding a recipe that is both mouth-watering and easy to prepare is a rare occurrence. Among such treasures is this comforting dish known as Hobo Casserole. Despite its simple name, this is a rich meal in its own right, giving you the impression of indulging in true luxury. On those many nights when you’re on the run and don’t want to spend much time cooking yet need something hot and filling, look no further.
My search for recipes has always been geared towards those that are time-savers as well as crowd-pleasers. The Hobo Casserole recipe meets both of my requirements. It is quick to put together and uses ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store near you. For those nights when you need something warm, comforting, and hearty for supper but have spent too much time at work, this is your best bet. It uses common food items available in your kitchen without costing too much money, unlike some recipes that do.
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef: Mainly adds aroma to the dish due to its rich flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
4 russet potatoes: Provide a solid base, absorbing all the good flavors during cooking.
8 oz cheddar cheese: Creates a creamy, cheesy layer when melted into the casserole.
1 can (10 oz) cream of potato soup: Adds creaminess, enhancing the rich texture of the casserole.
1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup: Contributes additional creaminess and savory flavor to the casserole.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami tanginess that pairs well with the beef.
1/4 cup milk: Thins the mixture so that it can be poured evenly over the potatoes and cheese.
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning: Adds a bit of complexity and spice to the dish.
1/3 cup fried onions: Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch.
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook the Beef and Onions
In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent and tender.
Layer the Ingredients
Once the onions have softened, evenly layer the sliced potatoes on top of the beef and onions in the skillet. Next, scatter the grated cheddar cheese on top.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of potato soup, cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cheese and potatoes in the skillet.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add the Finishing Touch
Remove the lid or foil, sprinkle the fried onions on top of the casserole, and return it to the oven. Switch the oven to broiler mode and broil until the top is golden brown and crispy. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth with hot food.
Why You’ll Love It
This Hobo Casserole is comfort food at its best: the beef and onions give it a tasty bite, the creamy soups add richness, and the potatoes provide satisfying texture. When cooked, the grated cheddar melts to create a gooey layer that binds everything together, while the crispy fried onions on top add a crunchy contrast to the soft interior.
You can customize this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken. If you want to add more vegetables, throw in some mushroom slices, bell peppers, or even green beans between the layers.
This casserole is great for any occasion. It’s quick enough to prepare on a weekday, yet delicious enough to serve when you have guests. You can also prepare it in advance—just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Making Memories
There’s something about this dish that evokes old memories of simpler times when comfort foods like this hearty meal were a staple. It brings warmth and happiness on gloomy days when life just gets tough—sometimes too tough!
The next time you need a quick fix for your hunger pangs, this Hobo Casserole recipe is here for you. It’s an unforgettable dish with a taste that wins hearts faster than anything else. Take a bite of this simple yet tasty meal and savor the feeling of being king, even if just for a moment.
Hobo Casserole: A Quick and Comforting Meal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 8 oz cheddar cheese grated
- 1 can 10 oz cream of potato soup
- 1 can 10 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/3 cup fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef and onions: In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and tender.
- Layer the ingredients: Layer the sliced potatoes evenly over the beef and onions in the skillet. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of potato soup, cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cheese and potatoes.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the finishing touch: Remove the lid or foil, sprinkle fried onions on top, and return to the oven. Switch to broiler mode and broil until the top is golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.