Description
Hobo Casserole is a comforting layered dish featuring ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions baked with creamy mushroom and chicken soups. Topped with crispy fried onions and melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and offers rich, hearty flavors in every bite.
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
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
Liquids and Creams
- 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 Toppings
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent and soften. Drain excess fat and turn off the heat.
- Prepare Potatoes: While the meat cooks, peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Place the slices in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
- Mix Sauces: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Layer Casserole: Drain potato slices and pat dry with paper towels. Layer half of the potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Follow with half of the meat and vegetable mixture, then half of the sauce mixture. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat with remaining potatoes, meat, sauce, and cheese.
- Add Topping: Spread the fried onions evenly over the top of the final cheese layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 75 to 80 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the foil and broil under high heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and potatoes to absorb any remaining liquid.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Draining and patting dry the potatoes before layering prevents excess moisture and sogginess.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify that the casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- The broiling step adds a deliciously crispy and golden topping from the fried onions and cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American