Hobo Casserole – Page 2 – Cooking Secrets

Directions for Making Hobo Casserole

This casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how you can make it:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer to make this step quicker and easier.
Chop the Onion: Dice the onion into small pieces for even distribution in the casserole.

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Beef: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. Follow this with a layer of cooked ground beef and onions, then spread a layer of the mixed vegetables on top.
Add the Soup and Milk: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing well. Pour this mixture over the layers in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover everything.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Uncover and Bake Again: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice. Serve hot, and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!

Use Fresh Vegetables: If you have fresh vegetables on hand, feel free to use them instead of canned. You can use a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to add even more flavor and nutrients.
Make It Your Own: This casserole is highly customizable. Feel free to swap in different meats, such as sausage or chicken, and experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
Potato Variety: Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe because they hold their shape well when baked. However, you can use russet potatoes if you prefer a fluffier texture.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be afraid to pile on extra cheese on top before baking. This will create a wonderfully cheesy crust.

If you happen to have leftovers of your Hobo Casserole, don’t worry—it stores well for the next meal! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It will keep its flavor and texture well for several days.

Oven: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for about 2-3 minutes, or until hot.