Name: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: Easy and Hearty Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483885H23M33S
Total time: PT-483885H23M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) green beans (drained); 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained); 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 package (about 4 cups) frozen tater tots; 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for added moisture); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Jump to Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a classic, easy-to-make comfort food that is perfect for busy weeknights or a simple family dinner. This dish brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, all baked together into a warm, satisfying casserole. It’s hearty, filling, and the best part? It’s made with minimal ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and fridge. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time.

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. The combination of ground beef and potatoes gives you a satisfying meal that can be customized with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. Top it with cheese for that melty, gooey finish that everyone loves, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze. If you’re looking for an easy and comforting dish that delivers on flavor, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This casserole requires only a few pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, making it incredibly easy to throw together.

2. Quick and Easy

With just a few steps, this dish is easy to prepare and bake, making it perfect for busy evenings.

3. Customizable

Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, like carrots, corn, or green beans, to tailor the casserole to your tastes.

4. One-Pan Meal

Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup quick and easy after dinner.

5. Kid-Friendly

The mild flavors of this casserole, combined with the cheese and ground beef, are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Potatoes, peeled and sliced
Onion, diced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or butter (for greasing)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Include vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Variety: You can mix it up with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.
Spicy Version: Add a bit of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to add some heat to the casserole.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb version of this classic dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds for even cooking. You can also use a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices if you have one.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In the greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Then, spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes. Add the diced onions on top of the beef.

Step 5: Add the Soup

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken) with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender. For the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it while it’s warm!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Day-Old Potatoes: If you have leftover potatoes, you can use them in this casserole to save time.
Even Slices: Make sure your potato slices are as even as possible so they cook uniformly.
Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef properly will give the casserole more flavor.
Adjust the Cooking Time: If you prefer your potatoes to be extra crispy, you can cook the casserole for an additional 10 minutes at the end, uncovered.

How to Serve

Hobo Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to add a fresh element to your meal. You could also serve it with garlic bread or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Hobo Casserole can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, frozen hashbrowns or frozen potato slices can be used in place of fresh potatoes if you prefer a quicker option.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños to give the casserole some heat.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work as a leaner alternative to beef.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

8. How long will the casserole keep in the fridge?

Leftover casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

9. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, Hobo Casserole freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly covered.

10. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make, filling, and full of flavor. With its hearty combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a gathering, it’s a one-pan meal that everyone will love. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal in no time!