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Easy Cheesy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef

easy cheesy hobo casserole - featured image

A quick and comforting casserole combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar, can mix with mozzarella)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 ml) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and slice 4 medium potatoes into 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Place in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons (28 g) melted butter and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and optional 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary.
  5. In a bowl, combine 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 ml) condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk. Stir until smooth.
  6. In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, layer half the sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Add half the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
  8. Drizzle half of the soup mixture evenly over the beef layer.
  9. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  10. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, season lightly, then the rest of the beef mixture, followed by the remaining soup mixture.
  11. Top with the remaining 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese.
  12. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  13. Bake for 40-45 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese crust.
  15. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture. Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasiness. Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Cover casserole with foil during baking to keep potatoes tender, remove foil last 10 minutes for crispy cheese crust. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Variations include adding vegetables, using different cheeses, or adapting for slow cooker.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, hobo casserole, weeknight recipe