Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a warm and comforting dish that brings families together. With its creamy layers and melted cheese, it’s a classic for satisfying meals. This recipe is simple and uses basic ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Hobo Casserole
This casserole is perfect for busy nights. It combines ground beef, potatoes, and veggies into one easy meal. It’s not only tasty but also very filling. Kids usually love the cheesy topping, making it family-friendly. Plus, everything cooks together, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Making this casserole is straightforward. You will start by cooking the beef and mixing everything in one bowl. Layering the ingredients in a baking dish makes it easy. Just pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
What You Need
To make Hobo Casserole, gather these ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, sliced potatoes, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
This casserole is wonderful on its own. However, you can pair it with a light salad for extra freshness. Some warm bread on the side would also complement it nicely. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
To keep leftovers fresh, let the casserole cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it in the oven until heated through, ensuring the cheese is melty again.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- For spice, consider adding a few shakes of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper.
- Ensure potatoes are cut evenly for even cooking.
- Don’t skip covering the casserole with foil; it helps steam the potatoes.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
- Use fresh vegetables if you have them, like zucchini or spinach.
- Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a cheese sauce for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled, then cover it tightly before freezing. It will keep well for 2-3 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
What vegetables can I substitute?
You can use any mixed vegetables you enjoy, such as green beans or corn. It’s flexible!
What should I do if my potatoes aren’t cooked?
If they’re not tender after 45 minutes, cover the dish again and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced Ensure even slicing for even cooking
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn) You can substitute with any veggies you enjoy
- 1 onion, diced Provides flavor to the beef mixture
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar) For a different flavor, consider using a cheese sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup Can also substitute with cream of chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to preference
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, sliced potatoes, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving
- Serve warm. Great on its own or paired with a salad and warm bread.
