Creating Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until they are translucent.
4. Layer Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
5. Add Ground Beef: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer.
6. Add Onions: Evenly distribute the sautéed onions over the beef.
7. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the top.
8. Mixed Vegetables: If using, add a layer of mixed vegetables over the beef and onions.
9. Add More Potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the vegetables.
10. Soup Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
11. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.
12. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
14. Cool: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

These simple steps will lead you to a beautifully baked, comforting Hobo Casserole.