Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef (Print version)

A cozy ground beef and potato casserole layered with creamy mushroom sauce and cheddar for an easy family dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the beef layer

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the casserole

07 - 2 1/2 lb (1.1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
08 - 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
09 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the dish
12 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
02 - Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7-9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
04 - Whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until smooth.
05 - Arrange half the potato slices in the prepared dish. Spread the beef mixture over them, then add the remaining potatoes. Pour the sauce evenly over the top.
06 - Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 55-65 minutes, until the potatoes are almost tender when pierced with a knife.
07 - Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar over the top, and bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, until melted and bubbling. Rest for 10 minutes before serving with parsley or chives.

# Good to know:

01 - Slice potatoes very thin so they cook through in the covered bake.
02 - Resting helps the creamy layers thicken before serving.