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Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole

This Hobo Casserole is a warm, hearty, and satisfying one-pan baked dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and cheese, it delivers rich flavors and comforting aromas in under an hour. Easy to prepare with budget-friendly staples, this casserole is family-friendly, adaptable to dietary preferences, and sure to become a staple for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef

Vegetables

  • 3 cups potatoes, chopped into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely diced

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or 1 can (condensed soup) of your choice
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred cheese)
  • Salt, pepper, and herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) to taste
  • Oil or butter for greasing the casserole dish and sautéing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes and finely dice the onion and garlic. If using canned mixed vegetables, drain and rinse them; if fresh, chop to the desired size.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add the onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Combine Everything: In a large bowl or directly in the casserole dish, mix the cooked beef with potatoes, mixed vegetables, tomato sauce or condensed soup, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  4. Assemble and Add Cheese: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top to form a melty, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and browned. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use evenly sized potatoes to ensure they cook uniformly.
  • Don’t skip browning the meat to develop deeper flavor.
  • Combine soft and crunchy vegetables for interesting texture.
  • Cover the casserole while baking initially to lock in moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it sets and slices nicely.

Nutrition

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, family dinner, one-pan meal, gluten free casserole