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Cheesy Hobo Casserole

cheesy hobo casserole - featured image

This easy ground beef dinner bake combines layers of seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese for the ultimate comfort food casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred, but leaner works)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 34 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)
  • Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup crushed fried onions (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Wash and peel potatoes. Slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth. Reserve half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese for topping.
  5. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Spoon half the beef-onion mixture over potatoes. Drizzle half the creamy sauce over beef. Sprinkle half of both cheeses on top.
  6. Repeat layers: potatoes, beef, sauce, cheese.
  7. Dot the top with butter if using. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 50 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and potatoes are fork-tender.
  9. Optional: In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with fried onions or fresh herbs for a crunchy finish.
  10. Let casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soup. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use lean ground beef. Slice potatoes as thinly as possible for even cooking. Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set for cleaner slices. Add extra veggies or swap cheeses as desired. Leftovers store well and flavors improve by the next day.

Nutrition

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