Description
This Crockpot Hobo Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for easy weeknight meals. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy soups slowly cook together to create a flavorful, filling casserole with the option of melted cheddar cheese on top. Simple to prepare and cooked effortlessly in the crockpot, this recipe delivers a warm, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
- Layer the casserole in the crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes, then add half of the frozen mixed vegetables on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, then the beef mixture, and finally the remaining vegetables.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through.
- Add the cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole about 20 minutes before the cooking time ends. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooking is complete, gently stir the casserole to combine the layers slightly and serve hot. This dish pairs well on its own or alongside a fresh side salad.
Notes
- You can peel the potatoes if preferred, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and texture.
- Feel free to substitute other frozen vegetables based on your preference or what’s available.
- For a creamier casserole, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk.
- If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soup varieties and adjust salt accordingly.
- The cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious melted layer of flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
