Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and cheese in a one-pan casserole, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals. This dish gets its name from the simple, rustic ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and filling meal, reminiscent of meals enjoyed by travelers or “hobos” who sought out easy-to-make meals with ingredients they could carry along.

The best part about Hobo Casserole is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, and cheese to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a family, friends, or just yourself, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is an easy, delicious, and comforting choice.

This guide will walk you through how to make this simple yet flavorful casserole, provide useful tips for success, and offer variations to try based on your personal taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Hearty and Satisfying: With the combination of ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, this casserole offers a filling and well-rounded meal. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or satisfying your own cravings after a long day.
• Easy to Prepare: Made with common pantry and fridge staples, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef doesn’t require any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that comes together quickly.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have available or your flavor preferences. Add different vegetables, try various cheeses, or even switch up the seasoning to make it your own.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The deliciously rich and savory flavors make this casserole a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or as a dish to share at potlucks.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ground beef and basic ingredients, this casserole is great for sticking to a budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and carrots)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, making sure the meat is crumbled into small pieces. Cook until the ground beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This step will enhance the flavor of the dish and build a savory base for the casserole.

3. Prepare the Potatoes and Vegetables

While the onion and garlic are sautéing, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrition. Also, measure out the frozen mixed vegetables. You can choose any vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, green beans, or corn.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, diced potatoes, and frozen vegetables. Stir until well mixed.

5. Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture in the large bowl, stirring to evenly coat all the ingredients.

6. Layer the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring the ingredients are well-distributed. Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, or cheese of your choice, for a melty, gooey finish.

7. Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Let the Casserole Rest

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content. You can also substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or any other vegetable of your choice.
• Slice the Potatoes Thinly: To ensure the potatoes cook through evenly, slice them thinly or pre-cook them for a few minutes in the microwave before adding them to the casserole.
• Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For a bit of texture, top the casserole with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. You can also add a little bit of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Season Well: Don’t forget to season the dish generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and any other spices you prefer. Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can also enhance the flavor and give the casserole a fresh, aromatic touch. A dash of paprika can also add a subtle heat.

Variations of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Mexican Hobo Casserole: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and ½ teaspoon of cumin to the beef and vegetable mixture. Use Mexican cheese like a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, and top the casserole with diced jalapeños and fresh cilantro for a spicy kick.
• Italian Hobo Casserole: Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning and a jar of marinara sauce to the beef and vegetables. Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for an Italian twist, and top with fresh basil once it’s baked.
• BBQ Hobo Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce into the beef and vegetable mixture. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and bake as usual for a smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: Skip the ground beef and replace it with a plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or veggie crumbles. Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or squash for a nutritious twist.

Storage and Shelf Life

Hobo Casserole is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the casserole. After it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes from frozen.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Pair Hobo Casserole with complementary side dishes to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any sauce or cheese left on your plate.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a great side dish to complement the savory flavors of the casserole.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a crisp contrast to the soft, cheesy casserole.

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Conclusion

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the epitome of comfort food—simple, filling, and absolutely delicious. With easy-to-follow instructions and the ability to customize based on your preferences, this casserole is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or simply looking for a comforting meal after a long day, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Enjoy the warm, savory goodness of this dish and share it with loved ones—everyone will be asking for seconds!