Description
This Crockpot Hobo Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is browned and combined with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, layered with thinly sliced potatoes and mixed vegetables, then slow-cooked to tender perfection. A melty cheddar cheese topping adds a delicious finishing touch. Ideal for a family dinner, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers satisfying flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
Soup Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Layer the casserole in the crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom. Spread half of the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes. Top with half of the frozen mixed vegetables. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and vegetables to build the casserole.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking time depends on your crockpot model, but the casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through.
- Add the cheese (optional): If using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow it to melt and become bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: When cooking is complete, gently stir the casserole to combine the layers slightly and serve hot. This hearty dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- For thinner potato slices, use a mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with homemade or canned cream soups of your choice.
- Adding Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory flavor of the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetarian-friendly cream soups.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
