Description
Easy Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining browned ground beef or turkey, diced onions, frozen hash browns, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, this casserole is simple to prepare and delivers a golden, cheesy crust with a tender, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
Main Casserole Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onion: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to ensure a cleaner, less greasy taste.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and onion mixture with frozen hash browns, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and if desired, garlic powder and paprika. Mix gently to evenly incorporate all ingredients without breaking down the hash browns too much.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Level the top with a spatula to ensure consistent baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to form a golden, bubbly crust once baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is browned, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or stick with ground beef for richer flavor.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, drain some of the soup before mixing.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
