Imagine a comforting, warm dish that feels like a hug in food form. The Hobo Casserole Recipe is just that – a simple, hearty meal that uses everyday ingredients to create something truly delicious. Perfect for the entire family, it’s easy to prepare and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its classic, comforting flavors make it a hit for all ages.
- Versatile: Perfect for weekday dinners but fancy enough for a potluck!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hobo Casserole Recipe shines with its simplicity, relying on staple ingredients to deliver big flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that comforting taste and texture we all crave.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides richness and depth, cooked to perfection.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the meat and bring out its natural flavors.
- 4 medium yellow potatoes: Offer a starchy, satisfying layer that’s hearty and filling.
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese freshly grated: Melted perfection with a creamy, cheesy top.
- 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- 10 ounce can cream of celery soup: Balances the flavors with a subtle savory note.
- ⅓ cup milk: Helps to blend the soups into a smooth, pourable consistency.
- ½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning: Lends an extra boost of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers umami and a touch of tang.
- ½ cup French’s fried onions: Finishes the dish with a crisp, flavorful crunch.
Variations
Want to make the Hobo Casserole Recipe your own? Here are a few delightful variations that welcome you to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian: Swap ground beef with your favorite plant-based substitute for a meat-free version.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in some sharp cheddar for an extra cheesy punch.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
How to Make Hobo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add the ground beef to a lightly greased 10” cast iron skillet, break it up and spread it out in an even layer. Season generously with salt and pepper, bringing out the delightful beefy flavors that will form the base of this hearty dish.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, then arrange them over the seasoned beef layer. Grate the Colby Jack cheese and sprinkle it evenly across the potatoes, adding creamy texture and richness. Make sure you cover all the potatoes with cheese love!
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Soups
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken and celery soups with milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a whisk to blend until smooth. Spoon the mixture over the cheesy layer, ensuring even coverage. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon for a neat finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your skillet tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 90 minutes, placing a baking sheet underneath to catch any delicious overspill. After baking, remove the foil, sprinkle French’s fried onions on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crunchy.
Pro Tips for Making Hobo Casserole Recipe
- Perfect Potatoes: Slice them thinly to ensure they cook thoroughly and maintain a tender texture.
- Even Cheese Layer: Grating cheese yourself not only ensures freshness but also guarantees even melting throughout the dish.
- Broiler Magic: Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the fried onions, aiming for a perfect golden crisp.
- Customize Flavor: Adjust seasoning levels as per your taste – a little extra Worcestershire can amplify the savory profile beautifully.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top each serving with freshly chopped green onions or parsley. These add a vibrant color pop and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich textures of the casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful dish with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables. A side of garlic bread also makes for a delicious companion, perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually appealing presentation, serve the casserole in personal-sized, oven-safe dishes. This not only looks elegant but allows each guest to have their crispy onion topping and gooey cheese layer all to themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures freshness, while the flavors continue to meld deliciously together.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to two months, and you’ll love having this ready comfort food on hand!
Reheating
Reheat covered with aluminum foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For a quick option, heat individual portions in the microwave, making sure you cover to trap steam and maintain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese in the Hobo Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for added flavor.
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What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
You can use another can of cream of chicken soup or try cream of mushroom for a different twist.
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Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
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Can this dish be scaled to serve more people?
Indeed, just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate extra portions.
Final Thoughts
The Hobo Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal – it’s nostalgia in a dish. With its cozy flavors and simple preparation, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite in many homes. Give it a try; I’m confident it’ll become a beloved staple in yours too. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Hobo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting baked casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, melted Colby Jack cheese, and a creamy soup base, topped with crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this versatile dish can be prepared in a cast iron skillet or a casserole dish for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon all purpose seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 medium yellow potatoes
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10 ounce can cream of celery soup
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup French’s fried onions
Additional
- Optional: Green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to a lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet or casserole dish. Break it up and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even slices. Layer these on top of the cooked ground beef.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the potato layer.
- Mix soup base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well with a whisk until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the soup mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any spillover. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes.
- Add toppings and broil: Remove from oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the fried onions over the top. Place under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- If you don’t have a large cast iron skillet, a 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly. Follow the same assembly and baking instructions.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions just before broiling.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat as mentioned above.
- Variations: Add chopped vegetables such as carrots or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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