Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe
This Hobo Casserole is a rustic and hearty ground beef and potato bake, layered with tender sliced Russet potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions, it makes for a comforting and satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- French fried onions, for topping
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until browned. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Layer Potatoes and Beef Mixture: Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes. Arrange the potato slices in two even layers in the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer lightly with salt and pepper. Evenly spoon the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potato layers. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the beef and vegetables, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown.
- Add French Fried Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle French fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are crispy and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- This casserole is ideal for a cozy family dinner or potluck event.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- For added flavor, consider using sharp cheddar or adding your favorite seasonings such as smoked paprika or thyme.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, potato bake, cream of mushroom soup casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, layered casserole