Easy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is a comfort dish that combines hearty ingredients in a warm, fulfilling way. This one-pan meal brings together ground beef, vegetables, and cheese for a satisfying family dinner. It’s an easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, and it truly feels like a hug in a bowl. You can enjoy it with minimal cleanup, making it as convenient as it is tasty.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is simple to prepare and requires only one dish, making it a great choice for those who want to save time in the kitchen. The combination of beef, veggies, and creamy sauce creates a delicious flavor that both kids and adults will love. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this!
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Making the Hobo Casserole is straightforward and quick. Just follow these easy steps to whip up this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩
- 1 medium onion 🧅
- 1 green bell pepper 🫑
- 2 cloves garlic 🧄
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed 🥔
- 1 cup frozen corn 🌽
- 1 cup sliced carrots 🥕
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 🍄🥣
- 1 cup beef broth 🥣
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- Salt 🧂
- Black pepper 🌶️
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the bell pepper, potatoes, corn, and carrots; season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth; mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Serve the Hobo Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple garden salad or some crusty bread. Consider offering hot sauce or extra cheese on the side for those who enjoy a kick or a bit more flavor.
How to Store Easy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Easy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
- For a quicker option, use pre-cooked or frozen diced meat.
- Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have; broccoli, green beans, or peas work well too.
- If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by changing the type of meat used. Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Additionally, experiment with different cheese flavors like pepper jack or mozzarella to alter the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used, and they might give a nice crunch to the casserole.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and golden. A fork inserted into the potatoes should go in easily.
Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended.
- 1 medium onion Chopped.
- 1 whole green bell pepper Chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced.
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed Any variety of potato works.
- 1 cup frozen corn Can substitute with fresh corn.
- 1 cup sliced carrots Fresh or frozen.
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 12 oz can.
- 1 cup beef broth Low sodium is suggested.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can use other cheese types.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the bell pepper, potatoes, corn, and carrots; season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth; mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
