Hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy Comfort Food

Ah, hobo casserole. Just saying the name conjures up warm memories of chilly evenings spent around the kitchen table, where my family would gather for hearty meals. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug on a plate. Growing up, my mom would whip up hobo casserole after long school days, filling our home with the delightful aroma of ground beef, melting cheese, and the comforting scent of baked potatoes. It felt like a warm embrace after a long day, and it still does.

There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about this dish. It’s a perfect blend of layers that come together effortlessly, and it gives you that glorious warm feeling in your belly. So, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a tasty dish to feed a crowd, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting flavors that everyone will love.
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices.
• One-pot meal means fewer dishes to wash (score!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy masterpiece:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (I love using russets for their creamy texture)
• 1 medium onion, diced (fresh onion gives a better flavor than powder!)
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – whatever your family loves)
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (you can also use chicken or make your own!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix it up with some mozzarella if you’d like!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a delightful dish that will bring everyone to the table.

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when it’s time for baking.
2. Brown the beef. In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat!
3. Add the onions. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. The smell wafting up is heavenly!
4. Mix in the veggies. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
5. Layer it up! In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering your thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the potatoes.
6. Add the beef mixture. Next, layer the beef and vegetable mix over the potatoes and cheese. Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly on top. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy – it’ll all come together, I promise!
7. Top it off. Add the remaining slices of potatoes on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over everything. Feel free to add a touch more salt and pepper to this layer for good measure!
8. Bake it! Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s get a little playful with this recipe! Here are some fun twists and adaptations you can try:

• Spice it up: Add a dash of paprika or chili powder for a little heat!
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor. Toss a bit into the beef mix while cooking.
• Cheese fusions: Experiment with different cheeses. Gouda or pepper jack can add a unique flavor twist!
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or quinoa for a hearty meatless dish. Just sauté them with the veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This Hobo Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. It really satisfies that comfort food craving, so serving it with slices of warm, crusty bread makes it even better! If you love a warm bowl of good coffee or herbal tea after dinner, that’s the perfect way to wrap up your cozy meal. Just imagine the steam rising from your cup, the warmth of the casserole filling your home, and the laughter shared around the table – it’s simply heartwarming.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to keep that deliciousness fresh:

• Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze it before baking! Simply cover tightly with foil and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If it’s been frozen, you might need to cover it with foil and bake a bit longer.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables are great; just make sure to sauté them until they’re slightly tender before adding them to the mix.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can opt for cream of chicken soup, a homemade béchamel sauce, or even a homemade mushroom sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or replace it with a mix of sour cream and some extra broth for a similar texture.

How many servings does this casserole make?

This recipe serves about 6-8, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep for the week!

Conclusion

I hope this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, just like it is in mine. It’s one of those dishes that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart with memories. I’d love to hear about your cooking adventures! Did you put your own spin on it? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the joy of good food and great company together!

Hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy Comfort Food

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy a Hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef an easy comfort food recipe thats perfect for a cozy dinner Quick to prep full of flavor

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground beef

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

1 medium onion, diced

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Mix in frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Layer thinly sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle half of the cheese over them.

Add the cooked beef and vegetable mix over the potatoes and cheese, then pour cream of mushroom soup on top.

Top with remaining potato slices and cheese, adding additional salt and pepper if desired.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g

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