Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Sometimes, you just want a hearty, easy-to-make meal that warms you up from the inside out. That’s exactly what you get with this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. It’s a delicious one-pan wonder that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheese, all baked together to perfection. Think of it as comfort food that requires little effort but delivers big flavors. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Ultimate Comfort Food

This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying—exactly what you want after a long day. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the potatoes and cheese provide that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Easy to Make

This casserole is so simple to prepare. With minimal ingredients and no complicated steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Family-Friendly

Hobo Casserole is the kind of dish that pleases everyone. Kids love the cheesy, meaty goodness, and adults appreciate the hearty, filling meal. It’s a one-dish wonder that makes family dinners a breeze.

Budget-Friendly

With ground beef, potatoes, and a few pantry staples, this dish is affordable and filling. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty without breaking the bank.

Customizable

Feel free to make this casserole your own! You can swap out vegetables or use different seasonings to suit your tastes. Want to add some spice? Throw in a little chili powder or hot sauce for a kick!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Hobo Casserole:

Ground Beef

The star of the show! Ground beef is easy to cook and gives the casserole its savory, rich flavor. It’s perfect for a hearty, filling meal.

Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes are the base of this casserole. They bake to a tender, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the beef and cheese.

Onion

Chopped onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the casserole. It cooks down beautifully with the beef and gives the dish an extra layer of goodness.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables

A colorful mix of peas, carrots, and corn adds flavor, texture, and a little pop of color. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some veggies without much effort.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This creamy soup helps to bind everything together and adds richness to the casserole. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery if you prefer.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheese makes everything better! Shredded cheddar gives the casserole that gooey, melty topping that everyone loves.

Salt and Pepper

Simple seasonings like salt and pepper bring out the best in the flavors. You can add more if you prefer.

Optional: Garlic Powder or Paprika

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika. It’s an optional touch, but it takes the flavor up a notch!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this easy and delicious Hobo Casserole:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. You don’t need to peel them, just wash them well. If you prefer, you can use pre-sliced frozen hashbrowns for even quicker prep.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef, sliced potatoes, chopped onion, frozen mixed vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s the perfect one-dish meal that’s full of comforting flavors and textures.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 750mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

This casserole is a filling meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides for a complete dinner:

Fresh Salad

A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. It adds freshness and balances out the heaviness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

For extra comfort, serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious juices. It’s a great addition if you want to take this meal over the top.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add color and nutrition to the meal. They’re also a great way to sneak in more veggies!

Pickles or Relish

A tangy side of pickles or relish helps to cut through the richness of the casserole and adds a nice crunch.

Additional Tips

Add Spice

If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili powder into the beef mixture. It’ll give the casserole a nice kick!

Use Fresh Vegetables

If you prefer fresh vegetables, feel free to swap the frozen mixed veggies with fresh ones. Just chop them up and cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy days!

Swap the Cheese

If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Just make sure it melts well!

Make It Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. It will still be delicious and hearty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
A1: Yes! Fresh potatoes work great in this recipe. Just slice them thinly and follow the same steps.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q5: Can I use a different cream soup?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or any other variety you like.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A7: Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still give you a hearty, satisfying dish.

Q8: Can I skip the cheese?
A8: While cheese adds a lot of flavor and texture, you can skip it if you prefer. You could even use a dairy-free cheese if needed.

Q9: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Yes! Add chili powder, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up to your liking.

Q10: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A10: Yes, fresh vegetables work just fine. Just chop them up and sauté them a bit before adding them to the casserole.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is everything you want in a comforting, easy-to-make meal. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for family dinners or when you need a no-fuss, satisfying dish. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it just the way you like. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s destined to become a favorite!

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