Can I use other types of potatoes in this casserole?

Absolutely! While yellow potatoes are ideal for their texture, red potatoes or even Yukon Gold can work well. Just be sure to slice them evenly so they cook through at the same rate.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken and cream of celery soups?

If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a quick homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk with seasonings of your choice. Using mushroom or vegetable cream soups also works well for different flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the fried onions topping before baking and broiling for best texture.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Definitely! After baking and cooling, wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole | Cozy Dinner Idea

Description

This classic Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced yellow potatoes, creamy soups, melted Colby Jack cheese, and topped with crispy French fried onions. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound lean ground beef
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
½ teaspoon all purpose seasoning
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables

4 medium yellow potatoes

Dairy and Soups

8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
10 ounce can cream of celery soup
⅓ cup milk

Toppings

½ cup French’s fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet, breaking it up and spreading it evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer Potatoes: Peel and slice the yellow potatoes thinly, then layer them evenly over the cooked ground beef in the skillet.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Colby Jack cheese evenly over the potatoes layer.
Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined.
Pour Sauce: Spoon the soup mixture evenly over the cheese layer and smooth it out with the back of a spoon for even coverage.
Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any spills, then bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes.
Add Onions and Broil: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the French’s fried onions evenly on top of the casserole. Place under a hot broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley as desired before serving for a fresh touch.

Notes

If you don’t have a large cast iron skillet, use a 9x13 inch casserole dish and follow the same layering and baking instructions.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, wrap with plastic wrap or foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat frozen casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or reheat single servings in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg