Description
A hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, melted Colby Jack cheese, and a creamy soup mixture, baked to perfection and topped with crispy fried onions. This easy-to-make casserole is a perfect family meal with a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon all purpose seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
- 4 medium yellow potatoes
- Optional: Green onions or parsley for garnish
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10 ounce can cream of celery soup
- â…“ cup milk
Toppings
- ½ cup French’s fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook Ground 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 slices evenly on top of the cooked ground beef in the skillet or casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the freshly grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the potato layer to ensure an even melt and rich flavor.
- Mix Soup Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Layer Soup Mixture: Spoon the creamy soup mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly using the back of a spoon to cover the surface completely.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and moisture, then place it on a baking sheet to catch any spillover. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Add Fried Onions and Broil: Remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Evenly sprinkle the French’s fried onions on top. Place the casserole under a hot broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy this comforting one-dish meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
- Using a cast iron skillet or casserole dish helps retain heat evenly during baking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable soups.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
