Easy Cheesy Hobo Casserole Recipe 5-Ingredient Perfect Comfort Meal
A simple, hearty casserole combining ground beef, potatoes, and a blend of cheeses baked in foil packets for an easy, comforting meal ready in under 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes recommended)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1/4 cup homemade blend)
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and slice 3 medium potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with a packet (or 1/4 cup) of onion soup mix. Mix evenly but do not overwork.
- Tear off four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. On each piece, spread a layer of sliced potatoes first.
- Add a quarter of the seasoned ground beef on top of the potatoes.
- Top each with a generous 1/2 cup (50 grams) of shredded cheese.
- Dot each packet with about 3/4 tablespoon (11 grams) of butter in small pats scattered over the top.
- Seal the packets tightly by folding the foil over the fillings and crimping the edges securely.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Carefully open the packets to avoid hot steam. Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top.
- Serve immediately, hot from the foil packets.
Notes
Slice potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch) to ensure even cooking. Seal foil packets tightly to trap steam and keep beef juicy. If potatoes are not tender after 40 minutes, bake an additional 5-10 minutes. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Can be cooked over a campfire wrapped in foil for 20-25 minutes. Use a good melting cheese blend for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet (1/4 o
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: cheesy casserole, hobo casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef casserole, foil packet meal, quick casserole