Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes: 5 Reasons It’s Your Next Go-To Meal!

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When it comes to comfort food that’s both quick to make and tantalizingly delicious, the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! truly stands out. This classic, hearty dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef with the comforting texture of potatoes, promising satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a weekday dinner that can be whipped up in a flash or a potluck favorite that pleases crowds, this recipe will fast become your culinary staple, much like our Cheesy Beef Casserole.

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients ensures that your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! delivers on flavor with every bite. For a fun outdoor twist, consider trying Campfire Foil Packs, which offer a similar blend of flavors in a convenient package.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Timing

Timing is crucial when preparing this delicious casserole to ensure every element cooks to perfection. With a total prep and cook time of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, you’ll have a piping hot meal on the table in no time. Explore other quick meals like Sheet Pan Dinners for more inspiration.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give you ample time to prepare your ingredients, ensuring that everything is ready to go once the oven reaches the desired temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown. Then, introduce the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula, and cook until browned. Season with salt and garlic powder for added depth of flavor. To make this dish healthier, consider using Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup instead of canned soup.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In a casserole dish, start by layering the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom. It’s important to slice them evenly so that they cook at the same rate. Next, add half of the sautéed beef and onion mixture, spreading it evenly over the potatoes. Continue with another layer of potatoes and finish with the remaining ground beef and onions.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Cheese

In a separate bowl, mix the can of cream of mushroom soup with half a cup of water to thin it slightly. Pour this mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring it seeps through the layers, flavoring each component. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top to create a delightful crust once baked. For nutritional awareness, learn more about the Nutritional Benefits of Potatoes here.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for an hour. This time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, with the potatoes absorbing the delicious juices.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the casserole has baked for an hour, remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step will help the cheese achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let it settle.

Nutritional Info

Understanding the nutritional benefits of the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! can be quite rewarding. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional profile:

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g

The casserole is a good source of protein, mainly derived from beef, aiding in muscle growth and repair. Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, which provide energy, while cheese adds a dose of calcium for bone health. Moderation is key, especially for those monitoring their fat intake. For tips on reducing fat in recipes, check out this guide on Reducing Fat in Recipes.

Healthier Alternatives

To make the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! fit more dietary preferences, consider these healthier substitutions:

• Lean Ground Turkey: Swap beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat content.
• Sweet Potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes, offering more fiber and a touch of sweetness.
• Low-fat Cheese: Choose a reduced-fat cheese alternative to help manage calorie intake.
• Homemade Soup: Create your own cream of mushroom soup using fresh mushrooms and milk to control sodium levels.

Serving Suggestions

Your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it

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at gatherings or family dinners to impress guests with its warmth and rich flavors. For a little extra flair, try garnishing it with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect hobo casserole can sometimes go awry if common pitfalls aren’t avoided, such as:

• Overcrowding the Casserole Dish: Ensuring even cooking means not packing in the ingredients too densely.
• Skipping Meat Browning: Browning the beef imparts a deeper flavor, essential for this dish.
• Not Covering During Baking: Covering with foil at the start keeps it moist, preventing dryness.
• Ignoring Rest Time: Allowing it to rest post-baking ensures the slices hold together when served.

Storing Tips

Properly storing leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! ensures it remains edible and tasty for future meals:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot.
• Freezing: Prepare and bake the casserole before freezing in portioned containers. It can last up to three
  

  📝 Recipe

  🍽️ Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, then sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the browned ground beef mixture until well combined.
  5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  ⏱️ Preparation Time

  20 minutes

  🔥 Cooking Time

  60 minutes

  🍴 Servings

  6