Ultimate Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for Easy Delish Meals

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a dish that evokes memories of campfire stories and cozy evenings. Whenever I think of Hobo Casserole, I can’t help but be transported back to my childhood, gathered around the dinner table, where my mom would whip up this delightful dish after a long day. The smell of ground beef sizzling in the skillet, mingling with the earthy aroma of potatoes baking in the oven, is a scent that brings me instant comfort. Plus, it’s the kind of meal where I can sneak in veggies without anyone noticing—a little parenting win, if you ask me!

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is so simple yet bursting with flavors, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a casserole dish. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights—just toss and bake!
• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients that are often on hand.
• Comforting Flavors: Rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients based on your mood or what you have available.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 pound ground beef (choose lean for less grease)
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced thin (I love using russets for their fluffiness)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, and carrots—frozen works great!)
• 1 onion, diced (yellow onions add a nice sweetness)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (you can use the low-fat version if you prefer)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (who can resist that melty goodness?)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch if you have it!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season your layers!)
• Optional: paprika or chili powder for some extra warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friends, let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake!
2. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat—nobody likes a greasy casserole!
3. Season it up: Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your meat mixture. Stir well to incorporate the flavors!
4. Layer it up: In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with half of the sliced potatoes, spreading them evenly. Next, layer half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and veggies.
5. Soup it up: Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup over the top layer, spreading it out gently with a spatula. This adds creaminess and binds everything together beautifully.
6. Cheese it: Sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese over the top! Don’t hold back; this is where the magic happens.
7. Cover and bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes.
8. Uncover and finish: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
9. Let it rest: Once out of the oven, let your hobo casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This helps all those tasty layers settle—no one likes a messy serving!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s have some fun!

• Spice it up: If you love heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a subtle kick.
• Cheese combo: Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a zesty twist!
• Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef; just adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Veggie fun: Feel free to mix in any veggies you have on hand—think bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for a little color!

Serving Suggestions

Once out of the oven, this casserole is a sight to behold! Serve it warm with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. I love pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad topped with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole. And on those chilly evenings, a cozy cup of herbal tea or rich hot chocolate can turn dinner into a delightful experience.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! This dish stores beautifully.

• Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze it, cool completely, then package it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it so you don’t forget about it!
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through, covering with foil if it starts to brown too much.

FAQs

Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just add a little extra time to the baking process when you’re ready to cook it due to the chill from the fridge.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Sure thing! If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. It will still be creamy and delicious!

How do I make it vegetarian?

No problem! Just swap out the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of the cream of mushroom soup, and you’re all set for a veggie version!

What if I don’t have mixed vegetables?

Feel free to use any veggies you like or have on hand. Fresh, frozen, or even canned work! Just chop them up to similar sizes for even cooking.

Conclusion

And there you have it—an easy, comforting, and delightful Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia to your table! I hope this recipe fills your home with warmth and happiness, just like it does mine. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you add your own twist? What sides did you serve? Let me know in the comments below, and happy cooking, friend!

Ultimate Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for Easy Delish Meals

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Quick easy Hobo Casserole with ground beef makes delicious meals Perfect for busy nights this recipe is a family favorite everyone will love 154 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground beef (choose lean for less grease)

4 medium potatoes, sliced thin

2 cups mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, and carrots)

1 onion, diced

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: paprika or chili powder

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and onion. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir well.

In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then half of the beef mixture, and 1 cup mixed vegetables. Repeat layering.

Pour cream of mushroom soup over the top layer, spreading gently.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes.

Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• minutes: 10
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 calories
• Sugar: 3 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g

Keywords: Hobo Casserole, Ground Beef Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner