Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a classic, hearty, and satisfying one-pan dish that brings together all your favorite comfort foods in one delicious casserole. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese for a filling meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. The beauty of Hobo Casserole is that it’s versatile, easy to make, and requires only a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.

The dish gets its name from the fact that it’s a no-fuss, throw-together meal that can be cooked with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re in a rush or looking for a way to use up leftovers, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a foolproof option that delivers both great taste and convenience. It’s a perfect comfort food that will warm you up on a cold day, and its combination of flavors and textures is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• One-Pan Meal: Hobo Casserole is an easy, one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup time, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to avoid a pile of dishes after dinner.
• Hearty and Filling: This casserole features a combination of ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, which makes it a satisfying and hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.
• Simple Ingredients: With only a few staple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese, you can prepare this dish without needing a long list of specialty items.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. You can swap out the vegetables, use a different kind of cheese, or add spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. The recipe is very flexible.
• Comfort Food: Packed with savory flavors and a cheesy topping, Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will remind you of family dinners and warm, cozy nights at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, etc.)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the beef)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
• Extra shredded cheese (for topping before serving)
• Hot sauce (for a spicy kick)

Special Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools, a few key pieces of equipment will help make the cooking process smoother and ensure the best results:

1. Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables, a large skillet will help you cook everything evenly before layering it in the casserole dish.
2. Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe. It’s the ideal size for holding all the ingredients and ensures that everything bakes evenly.
3. Sharp Knife: To slice the potatoes and vegetables, having a sharp knife will make prep work faster and safer.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key to balancing the flavors in the dish, so having measuring spoons and cups on hand is important for success.
5. Aluminum Foil or Lid for Casserole Dish: If you need to cover the casserole while it bakes, aluminum foil or a casserole dish lid will help keep the moisture in, preventing the dish from drying out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef to a plate or bowl.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Next, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat them through. The vegetables should be tender and well-coated with the flavors from the onions, peppers, and garlic. Once they’re ready, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Potatoes

While the beef and vegetables are cooking, prepare the potatoes. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. This will help them cook evenly in the casserole and ensure a tender texture.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter.

In the prepared casserole dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:

• First, layer half of the sliced potatoes, covering the bottom of the dish.
• Next, add half of the cooked ground beef, spreading it evenly over the potatoes.
• Then, add the sautéed vegetables and onions, followed by the remaining ground beef.
• Finally, top with the remaining sliced potatoes, arranging them to cover the top layer of the casserole.

5. Add the Seasonings and Broth

In a small bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and beef broth. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will add moisture and flavor to the dish as it bakes.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust on top of the dish, adding a delicious creamy texture.

7. Cover and Bake

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or a lid to help keep the moisture in during the baking process. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil or lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a more golden top, you can place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Serve the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef warm, garnished with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, and extra cheese if desired.

Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Thinly Slice the Potatoes: Thin slices of potatoes cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the casserole better. Be sure to slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, to ensure they cook thoroughly.
• Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase the veggie content.
• Use Your Favorite Cheese: While cheddar is the most common cheese used for Hobo Casserole, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before baking. This will create a nice, crunchy crust on top of the casserole.

Variations of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: For a vegetarian version of this dish, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or lentils. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
• Cheesy Bacon Hobo Casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the ground beef mixture for an extra layer of smoky flavor. The bacon pairs wonderfully with the beef and cheese.
• Spicy Hobo Casserole: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the casserole. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy touch.
• Italian Hobo Casserole: Add Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired version of Hobo Casserole. This version works great if you’re in the mood for a casserole with an Italian flair.

Storage and Shelf Life

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Pair your Hobo Casserole with these complementary sides to create a full meal:

• Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole and add a fresh element to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with crispy garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are a perfect side to complement the flavors in the casserole.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttered corn adds a fun and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the casserole.

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Conclusion

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together hearty ingredients and delicious flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or a potluck, this casserole will be a hit with everyone. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with everything you need for a filling meal. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this tasty, one-pan wonder that will soon become a staple in your recipe collection!