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Hobo Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, savory cream soups, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect as a make-ahead meal, this casserole offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 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

Potatoes and Sauce

  • 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

Cheese and Topping

  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup fried onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: 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. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions and both red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are translucent and soft. Drain excess fat and remove from heat.
  4. Prepare Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Place the slices in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
  5. Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
  6. Drain and Dry Potatoes: Drain the potato slices from the water and pat them dry thoroughly with clean paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
  7. Layer Casserole: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup sauce mixture, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, sauce, and cheese.
  8. Add Topping and Cover: Sprinkle the top evenly with the fried onions. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 75 to 80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Broil for Golden Top: Remove the foil and broil the casserole under high heat for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to allow the potatoes to absorb any remaining liquid, making the dish easier to serve and more flavorful.

Notes

  • Be sure to dry the potatoes well before layering to avoid a soggy casserole.
  • You can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  • For a sharper flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild.
  • Leftovers taste great reheated and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Use a food thermometer to check doneness and ensure food safety.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/hobo-casserole-recipe/