Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a little extra time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What if I don’t have cream of celery or chicken soup?

If you don’t have these canned soups, you can make a quick homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk seasoned with celery salt and garlic powder to mimic the flavors.

Can I substitute another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella blends perfectly with this casserole. Just choose a good melting cheese you love.

What’s the best way to keep the potatoes from drying out?

Keeping the casserole tightly covered with foil while baking traps steam and moisture. This prevents the potatoes from drying out and ensures they cook evenly tender.

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole: Cozy, Cheesy Comfort Food

Description

This hearty Hobo Casserole is a comforting layered dish featuring lean ground beef, sliced potatoes, creamy cheeses, and savory soups baked to perfection. Finished with crispy fried onions and fresh herbs, it's perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables & Cheese

4 medium yellow potatoes
8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated

Soup & Seasonings

10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
10 ounce can cream of celery soup
⅓ cup milk
½ teaspoon all purpose seasoning
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Toppings & Garnish

½ cup French’s fried onions
Green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef: In a lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up evenly and season with salt and pepper. Cook just enough to brown slightly, then spread evenly in the skillet.
Layer Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. Arrange the potato slices evenly over the cooked ground beef layer in the skillet.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Colby Jack cheese evenly on top of the potatoes, covering the entire surface.
Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Top with Sauce: Spoon the soup mixture evenly over the cheese layer, smoothing it with the back of the spoon to cover the entire surface.
Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the skillet with aluminum foil. Place it on a baking sheet on the oven rack below to catch any drips. Bake for 90 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add Fried Onions and Broil: After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the French’s fried onions evenly on top. Place under a hot broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Notes

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet that's 10 inches, a 9x13-inch casserole dish works well—just follow the same layering and baking instructions.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
You can freeze the casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and warm in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven until heated through, or microwave single servings.
Use yellow potatoes or other waxy varieties to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper, since soups and cheeses may add saltiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg