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Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a warm, filling comfort dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, combining seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and melted cheese into a one-pan bake that’s easy to prepare, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and green beans), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Sauces and Dairy

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream soup (such as cream of mushroom or celery)
  • 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and finely dicing the onion and garlic to ensure even cooking and layered flavors throughout the casserole.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Sauté the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic to the browned beef, cooking until fragrant and softened. Then mix in the chopped vegetables, allowing them to soften slightly to bring out their natural sweetness.
  4. Combine with Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce or cream soup base along with salt, pepper, and thyme or parsley. This creates a rich filling that ties all ingredients together and ensures moisture in every bite.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish, top generously with shredded cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables and quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
  • Browning the beef properly adds a savory depth that enhances the entire dish.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to maintain balanced flavors.
  • Allow the casserole to rest slightly before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
  • Add cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure a golden, melty crust without burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hearty casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one-pan dish, weeknight meal, gluten-free casserole