Hobo Casserole (Easy Recipe)

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Hobo casserole is a tasty and easy meal you can make for dinner. It’s a simple dish with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup that bakes in one pan. This recipe comes from old hobo camps in the 1900s. They made it with what they could find.

You can make this yummy casserole in about 15 minutes. Then it bakes for 90 minutes while you do other things. When it’s done, you’ll have a hot, filling meal that serves 4-6 people. The crispy fried onions on top make it extra good.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty hobo casserole:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
• 4 slices American cheese
• 1 (10-3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/8 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

The prep is quick and easy. You’ll have this casserole in the oven in no time!

Make sure to slice your potatoes nice and thin. This helps them cook evenly.

Feel free to swap the American cheese for cheddar if you prefer. Both work great in this recipe.

Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. A little goes a long way in bringing out all the flavors.

The French-fried onions add a nice crunch on top. You can find them in most grocery stores near the canned vegetables.

Instructions

Get your oven nice and hot by setting it to 350°F. While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8 casserole dish.

Start layering your ingredients. Put the ground beef on the bottom. Next, add the sliced onion and potatoes. Top it off with the cheese slices.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper over everything. This will give your casserole great flavor.

In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Pour this mixture over your layers. It will help everything cook together nicely.

Cover the dish with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it’s cooking.

Pop it in the oven for 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily stick a fork through the potatoes.

Take it out and add the French-fried onions on top. These will give your casserole a nice crunch.

Let it cool for 5 minutes before you dig in. This helps the flavors settle and makes sure you don’t burn your tongue!

Enjoy your tasty hobo casserole! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily switch up this hobo casserole recipe with some tasty alternatives. Here are some ideas:

Meat:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
• Italian sausage for extra flavor
• Plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist

Cheese:

• Cheddar for a sharper taste
• Pepper jack to add some heat
• Mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture

Potatoes:

• Sweet potatoes for added nutrients
• Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture
• Yukon gold for a buttery flavor

Soup:

• Cream of chicken soup for a different taste
• Cream of celery for a lighter option
• Homemade white sauce if you prefer no canned soups

Try swapping the French-fried onions with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. You can also add veggies like peas, carrots, or corn for extra nutrition and color.

Remember to adjust cooking times if you use different ingredients. Have fun experimenting with these swaps to make the casserole your own!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this hobo casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few easy swaps. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for fewer carbs.

Opt for reduced-fat cheese slices to lower the calorie count. Choose a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, or make your own with Greek yogurt and mushrooms. Use unsweetened almond milk in place of regular milk.

Skip the French-fried onions and top with a sprinkle of sliced green onions instead. These changes will reduce the carbs, calories, and sodium while keeping the yummy flavors you love.

You can also add more veggies to boost fiber and nutrients. Try mixing in some diced bell peppers or zucchini with the ground turkey. This will make the casserole more filling without adding many extra carbs.

Remember to watch your portion sizes too. Serve yourself a smaller helping and pair it with a big side salad for a balanced meal. With these tweaks, you can enjoy a tasty casserole that fits into your diabetes meal plan.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best hobo casserole, use lean ground beef to cut down on grease. You can brown it first for extra flavor. Slice your potatoes very thin so they cook through.

Try adding veggies like carrots or peas for more nutrients. Mix in some garlic powder or dried herbs with the soup for a flavor boost.

Make it ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

Leftovers stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. The casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months.

For a crispier top, uncover the dish for the last 15 minutes of baking. You can swap the cheese for cheddar or use a mix of cheeses.

Don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Use cream of chicken or celery instead. For a thicker sauce, cut the milk down to 2 tablespoons.