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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

The Crispy Chef
A budget-friendly, no-fuss casserole packed with ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, and pantry vegetables. It's a nostalgic one-pan meal that stretches ingredients and satisfies every time — perfect for busy nights and tight grocery budgets.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp Knife for slicing potatoes and vegetables
  • Large skillet if browning beef

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground beef (or turkey/pork mix)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 5 russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 can green beans, drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (optional)
  • 1 diced bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp butter (dotted on top)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice potatoes about ¼ inch thick and onions. Prep your vegetables. Season ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, and paprika if using.
  • Optional: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain grease. Season again if needed.
  • Spray a 9x13 baking dish. Layer half the potatoes, then onions, then all the beef, followed by your veggies. Top with remaining onions and potatoes. Season as needed between layers.
  • Mix soup with broth (or use tomato or broth-only method). Pour evenly over casserole. Make sure liquid reaches mid-layer for proper steaming. Dot with butter.
  • Cover tightly with foil. Bake 60–75 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Add more time if needed. Keep it covered to trap steam.
  • Uncover. If using cheese, add on top and return to oven for 10–15 minutes until melted and golden. Add crispy onions in last 5 minutes if desired.
  • Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving. This helps juices settle and makes it easier to serve. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

You can use any ground meat or swap in your favorite veggies based on what you have. Cream soup creates a comforting binder, but tomato-based or broth versions work too. Optional cheese on top adds richness. Rest before serving for easier portions. Leftovers reheat well!

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 23gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.2gTrans Fat: 1.1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 810mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 3.1mg
Keyword budget casserole, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef casserole, hobo casserole
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