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Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe

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  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 0h 20m
  • Cook Time: 1h 0m
  • Total Time: 1h 20m
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Hobo Casserole is a comforting, rustic baked dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, all combined in a creamy mixture of milk and sour cream. This easy-to-make dinner is perfect for a hearty family meal, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Vegetables

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 medium onion

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, for even cooking.
  3. Chop Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion to mix into the beef for added flavor.
  4. Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula.
  5. Drain Fat: Remove excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness in the dish.
  6. Add Onion: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  7. Season Meat: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika to the beef mixture.
  8. Add Creamy Elements: Stir in milk and sour cream until everything is well combined, then remove the skillet from heat.
  9. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  10. Layer Potatoes: Spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  11. Add First Beef Layer: Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  12. Repeat Potato Layer: Add another layer of sliced potatoes on top and season again with salt and pepper.
  13. Add Remaining Beef: Spread the remaining beef mixture over the second potato layer.
  14. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  15. Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  16. Bake Uncovered: Return to oven and bake 10-15 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  17. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • For a creamier casserole, consider adding a bit more sour cream or milk.
  • Potatoes can be peeled or left unpeeled for extra texture and nutrients.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef seasoning.
  • Make sure to slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.