This hearty Hobo Casserole is a comforting one-pan dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this casserole will satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a complete meal in one dish. The ground beef brings savory goodness, while the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers add texture and flavor. It’s incredibly easy to customize and make ahead, making it a time-saver for busy days. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients (Partial List):
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Note: Full list of ingredients and instructions is below.)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sliced potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Variations:
- You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
- Add other vegetables like corn or carrots for added texture.
- For a spicy kick, try adding a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce.
FAQs:
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Description
The Best Hobo Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic That’ll Warm Your Soul
Hey food lovers! Today I’m sharing a mouthwatering recipe that’s been a total game-changer in my kitchen – the legendary Hobo Casserole. This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a nostalgic journey packed with flavor, comfort, and pure deliciousness that’ll transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen. Let me tell you a quick story. On one of those chilly evenings when comfort food is all you crave, I stumbled upon this incredible dish. It was like culinary magic – simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary that makes everyone at the dinner table smile.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Cooking Directions That’ll Make You a Kitchen Hero Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pro tip: give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations later. In a large skillet, brown your ground beef and diced onions. Make sure to drain any excess fat – we want flavor, not a greasy mess! Add minced garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let those ingredients mingle and create some serious flavor magic. Now for the fun layering process. Start with a base of thinly sliced potatoes that’ll become beautifully soft during cooking. Next, add your seasoned beef mixture, sprinkle those colorful frozen vegetables, and pour your creamy soup mixture over everything. Top it all off with a generous handful of shredded cheese because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better. Want some extra crunch? Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. This creates a golden-brown crust that’ll have everyone fighting for the first serving. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s golden and those potatoes are perfectly tender.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate and calculated based on typical ingredients and average serving sizes. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on specific brands and exact measurements used.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg