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Hobo Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 medium potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup with or without garlic
• 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Get the Oven Ready and Coat the Pan
   Begin by setting your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) so it's all set for the baking magic. Meanwhile, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coat with cooking spray, making sure every corner is covered to prevent sticking.

2. Step 2: Cook Up the Beef Mixture
   In a large skillet, combine your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook them over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat and season it with salt and pepper, giving it a good mix.

3. Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Beef
   Arrange a neat layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Over this, spread half of your cooked beef mixture evenly. This will form the hearty foundation of your casserole.

4. Step 4: Whisk the Soup Mixture
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups. Add both the evaporated milk and regular milk, continuing to whisk until you have a smooth, creamy mixture ready to bring richness to your casserole.

5. Step 5: Build the Layers with Cheese
   Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer, making sure it's evenly distributed to soak into every bit. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese across the top, getting ready for the cheesy goodness.

6. Step 6: Repeat and Top with Cheese
   Now, simply repeat the layering process. Add another layer of potatoes, the remaining beef, and the rest of the soup mixture. Finally, top everything off with the remaining shredded cheese, ensuring it's all covered for that perfect cheesy crust.

7. Step 7: Cover with Foil and Bake
   Carefully cover your dish with a piece of tinfoil, ensuring it's tented slightly to prevent it from sticking to the cheese. Place it in the oven for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

8. Step 8: Finish Baking
   After an hour, remove the foil carefully, and let the casserole continue to bake for another 30 minutes. This step ensures that the cheese gets that lovely golden-brown finish and the potatoes are perfectly tender.

9. Step 9: Let It Rest Before Serving
   Once out of the oven, patience is key. Allow your hobo casserole to rest for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. This resting time helps the layers settle, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. Enjoy the comforting layers of flavor!

Notes

Whipping up a Hobo Casserole can seem like a breeze, but a few sneaky pitfalls can trip up even the most seasoned cook. One common slip is uneven slicing of potatoes. If some slices are thicker than others, they won't cook evenly. For consistent results, try using a mandolin slicer—it's a game-changer!

Another hiccup is forgetting to drain the beef. Leaving excess fat can make the casserole greasy. So, take a moment to drain it well before layering.

And don't rush through the cheese layers. Sprinkle it generously and evenly for that perfect gooey finish.

Finally, when tenting with foil, be sure it's not too snug. This little trick prevents the cheese from sticking and ensures a bubbly, browned top.

With these tips in mind, your Hobo Casserole will be a delicious masterpiece every time!

Keywords: Hobo Stew Recipe, Campfire Casserole Recipe, One-Pot Casserole Recipe, Easy Casserole Recipe, Rustic Casserole Recipe, Ground Beef Casserole Recipe, Hearty Casserole Recipe