Description
This Easy Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a simple family meal. Featuring ground beef or turkey, diced onions, frozen hash browns, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection, it combines convenience and delicious flavors in one satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onion: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and prevent greasiness.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and onion mixture with the frozen hash browns, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Mix gently to incorporate all ingredients while keeping the hash browns intact.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly, leveling the top to ensure even baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole, which will melt to create a delicious golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese topping is browned and bubbly and the casserole is thoroughly heated through.
Notes
- You can use either ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk to the mixture before baking.
- Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken soup depending on your taste.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the seasoning.
- The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if cooking from cold.
