Description
Hobo Casserole is a cozy and hearty layered comfort meal featuring seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy soup mixture, all baked to perfection and topped with crispy French fried onions for a delicious crunch. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole melds savory flavors in an easy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Small Yellow Onion, diced
- 4 Medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and sliced
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese, grated
- ¼ Cup Milk
Soup Mixture and Seasonings
- 1 (10oz) Can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (10oz) Can Cream of Potato Soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
Topping
- â…“ Cup Crispy French Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat and layer ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a small casserole dish, spread the lean ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper evenly. Add the diced yellow onion over the beef, then layer the peeled and sliced russet potatoes on top, followed by the grated cheddar cheese.
- Prepare soup mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour soup mixture over casserole: Evenly pour the prepared soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish, making sure it covers the entire surface to help bind the casserole while baking.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the potatoes cook through fully.
- Add crispy topping: After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the crispy French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Broil for crunch: Place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely, until the French fried onions turn golden brown and crispy, adding a delightful texture contrast to the dish.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve the hobo casserole hot, savoring the layers of comforting flavors and textures in every bite.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps with even cooking and adds rustic flavor, but a small casserole dish works perfectly well.
- Make sure to watch the casserole closely when broiling to prevent burning the crispy fried onions.
- You can substitute Creole seasoning with Cajun seasoning if preferred for a slightly different spice blend.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
