Welcome to our comfort food section! Today, we’re sharing a hearty and rustic recipe for Hobo Casserole, also known as Rustic Campfire Beef and Potato Casserole. This dish is packed with flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of potato soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- ⅓ cup crispy French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Layer
- Peel and Slice Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly.
Step 3: Mix the Soups
- Combine Soups and Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning. Mix until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer Potatoes: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Add Soup Mixture: Pour the soup mixture over the ground beef and potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add French Fried Onions: Remove the foil and sprinkle the crispy French fried onions over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Hot: Serve the hobo casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Potato Slicing: For even cooking, make sure the potato slices are uniform in thickness.
- Ground Beef Options: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Variations
Veggie-Loaded Hobo Casserole
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ground beef mixture for extra vegetables and flavor.
Spicy Hobo Casserole
Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the soup mixture for a spicy kick.
Italian Hobo Casserole
Replace the Creole seasoning with Italian seasoning and add a layer of marinara sauce for an Italian twist.
Low-Carb Version
Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or sliced zucchini for a lower-carb version of this casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
For extra crispy potatoes, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
This Hobo Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy making and sharing this hearty meal with your loved ones!