Description
This comforting Hobo Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, layers of tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy blend of soups topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and crispy fried onions. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden crust, this hearty casserole serves as a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon all purpose seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 medium yellow potatoes
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
Soup Mixture
- 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10 ounce can cream of celery soup
- ⅓ cup milk
Toppings
- ½ cup French’s fried onions
- Optional: Green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to a lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet or casserole dish. Break it up and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even slices. Layer these on top of the cooked ground beef in the skillet or casserole dish.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the potato layer.
- Mix soup base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the soup mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any spillover. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and potatoes to cook through.
- Add toppings and broil: Remove from oven and carefully take off the foil. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top. Place the dish under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy your hearty meal.
Notes
- Use a 10-inch cast iron skillet or casserole dish for even cooking.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly for thorough cooking during the bake time.
- The fried onions add a crunchy texture; do not omit for best results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a slightly healthier variation, use low-fat soups and cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
