If you’re craving a hearty, filling, and budget-friendly meal that everyone will love, look no further than this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe! This classic comfort food combines ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, all baked together in a delicious and easy-to-make casserole. Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a dish for a crowd, this casserole is sure to satisfy!
This one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also super customizable—you can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal, so you can enjoy leftovers for days.
Let’s dive into this easy and hearty casserole that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Casserole:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 can (400g) cream of mushroom soup (or use homemade if preferred)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into about ¼-inch rounds.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. If you like extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You can overlap the slices slightly, like overlapping shingles, to create a uniform base.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the frozen peas (or mixed vegetables) over the beef mixture. You can also use cooked carrots, corn, or any veggies you have on hand.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth together. Pour this mixture over the casserole, spreading it evenly with a spoon to coat all the ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. After the casserole has baked with cheese, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Hobo Casserole
🔥 Layering the Potatoes – For the best texture, be sure to slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly and become tender during the baking process.
🔥 Vegetable Variations – Don’t be afraid to mix up the veggies! Try corn, carrots, or green beans in place of peas. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!
🔥 Cheese Options – If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, monterey jack, or even a cheese blend work wonderfully in this casserole.
🔥 Make It Spicy – For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
🔥 For a Creamier Texture – Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt as a topping just before serving. It’ll make the casserole extra creamy and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Simple – This easy-to-make casserole is assembled in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
✔️ Comforting & Filling – Packed with potatoes, beef, and veggies, this dish will leave you satisfied without feeling too heavy.
✔️ Customizable – Change up the veggies or add different seasonings to suit your taste.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe makes great leftovers and stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
✔️ Family-Friendly – With its delicious blend of flavors and simple ingredients, even picky eaters will love this dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken can easily replace the beef for a lighter version of the casserole.
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are the traditional choice, you can use Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just make sure to slice them thin enough to cook evenly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for extra flavor.
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