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Hobo Casserole with Beef and Potatoes

Easy Hobo Casserole with Beef and Potatoes

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients
  

1½ pounds ground beef (85% lean recommended for best flavor balance in your hobo casserole)

1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thickness)

1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

½ cup milk

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Wash and thinly slice your potatoes (no need to peel unless preferred). Pro tip: Slicing potatoes to an even ¼-inch thickness ensures they cook evenly in your hobo casserole and completely.

      Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture

        In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent, approximately 3 minutes more. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with half of the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned beef mixture forms the savory base of your hobo casserole.

          Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

            In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture will create the perfect binding sauce that keeps your hobo casserole moist and flavorful. For an extra flavor boost, stir in half of the cheddar cheese (1 cup) until well combined.

              Step 4: Layer Your Hobo Casserole

              Now comes the fun part! Create your hobo casserole layers:

              Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish

              Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes

              Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef layer

              Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce

              Dust with remaining paprika and thyme for color and flavor

                Step 5: Bake to Perfection

                  Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (this traps steam to cook the potatoes properly) and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake your hobo casserole for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the hobo casserole to set.

                    Step 6: Garnish and Serve

                      Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your finished hobo casserole for a pop of color and fresh flavor. The bright green against the golden cheese creates an appetizing presentation that will have everyone eager to dig in to your homemade beef and potato hobo casserole.

                        Notes

                        Nutritional Information

                        Each serving of this hearty hobo casserole contains approximately:
                        • Calories: 485
                        • Protein: 28g
                        • Carbohydrates: 26g
                        • Fat: 30g
                        • Fiber: 3g
                        • Sodium: 650mg
                        Keyword Hobo Casserole with Beef and Potatoes