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.

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