Description

Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot dish, perfect for busy nights. With layers of ground beef (or turkey), tender potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a savory cream sauce, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, etc.)
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch thick)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a lighter version)
1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened (2-3 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Prepare the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, followed by the frozen mixed vegetables.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the casserole layers and spread it out evenly.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and check the potatoes. If they’re tender, proceed to the next step. If not, cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Add the Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute.Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese to the layers inside the casserole or use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan.Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor.Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.