Hobo Casserole
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Hobo Casserole recipe. Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and macaroni, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this Hobo Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Make Hobo Casserole
- A hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Made with simple and affordable ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground sausage, pre-cooked and drained
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 diced onion
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1.5 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the ground beef: In a saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In the prepared slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef, diced onion, diced potatoes, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Cook on high: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender.
- Add macaroni and broth: After 3 hours, add the uncooked macaroni noodles and chicken or beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Continue cooking: Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked al dente.
- Add cheese and sour cream: Stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and the sour cream until well combined. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the casserole.
- Finish cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once fully cooked, serve the Hobo Casserole hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Hobo Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Garnish individual servings with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
- Pair the casserole with your favorite bread or dinner rolls for sopping up any extra sauce.
Storage Info
- Store any leftover Hobo Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
Techniques or Tips
- Customize the casserole by using your favorite type of ground meat, such as turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Add additional vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
Variation
- For a vegetarian version of the casserole, omit the ground beef or sausage and use additional vegetables or plant-based protein substitutes instead.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss, for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs about Hobo Casserole
Q: Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes as a convenient shortcut. Simply thaw the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom? A: Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Q: Can I make this casserole in the oven instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes and macaroni are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cover the casserole with foil during baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Hobo Casserole
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Slow Cooker
- Greased Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground sausage, pre-cooked and drained
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 diced onion
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1.5 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Grease slow cooker and add browned beef, diced onion, cream of mushroom soup, and diced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and set to high for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, add chicken or beef broth and uncooked macaroni. Cover and cook for 30 minutes on high.
- Stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
