Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for Cozy Nights

My kitchen adventure with this hearty hobo casserole ground beef recipe started on a chilly evening when comfort food called my name.

Layered ingredients create a magical one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite diner.

Potatoes, seasoned meat, and vibrant vegetables mingle in a simple yet satisfying dish that promises zero fancy techniques.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together without complicated steps or expensive ingredients.

Budget-friendly and packed with robust flavors, this meal transforms basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Hungry souls will appreciate the straightforward approach that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this classic comfort creation.

Storing and Reheating Hobo Casserole for Lunches

• Store leftover hobo casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole for a Full Meal

• Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the ground beef casserole, cutting through the creamy sauce with its tannic structure.
• Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty, creamy casserole and provide a fresh contrast.
• Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce, adding textural variety and making the meal more satisfying and complete.
• Prepare a simple side of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add nutritional balance and provide a caramelized vegetable element that pairs wonderfully with the casserole's rich profile.

Ingredient Combos to Try in Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a plant-based version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Swap potatoes with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds. This substitution reduces carbohydrates while keeping the casserole's comforting essence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Ensure no cross-contamination during preparation for celiac-friendly dining.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk to create a creamy, allergen-friendly casserole.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef for Weeknight Ease

• A Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole
• Whip up this delicious meal in just over an hour, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, this casserole delivers maximum flavor at minimal cost, stretching your grocery budget effortlessly.
• Cheesy, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy children who will ask for seconds without hesitation.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan meal that combines protein, vegetables, and sauce in one convenient, baked creation, making dinner preparation and post-meal washing a breeze.

Everything You Need for a Hearty Hobo Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the casserole, best when lean for less grease.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic additions that enhance the beef's flavor and provide depth to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind the casserole together.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and create a smooth sauce consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides a sharp, creamy finish to the casserole.

• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides substance and absorbs the delicious sauce, works best with waxy or all-purpose varieties.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, clean garnish and extra layer of flavor.

• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Used for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking.

Instructions to Bake Hobo Casserole Until Golden

Step 1: Brown The Meat

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Heat skillet on medium. Crumble beef while cooking until it transforms from pink to rich brown. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper. Drain any extra grease.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk ingredients together in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Layer The Casserole

• Sliced potatoes
• Prepared meat mixture
• Sauce mixture

Grab a baking dish and lightly coat with cooking spray. Spread first layer of potato slices across bottom. Distribute browned meat evenly over potatoes. Pour half the sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Add remaining potato slices. Drench with remaining sauce.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Return to oven for additional 15 minutes until cheese melts beautifully.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Allow casserole to rest for several minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs. Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Balanced Texture in Ground Beef Casserole

• Manage Meat Moisture: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Potato Perfection: Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to melt completely and develop a golden-brown crust for maximum flavor and appealing presentation.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with plant-based alternatives and use low-fat cheese for a lighter version suitable for health-conscious individuals.
• Layer Like a Pro: Create distinct layers by spreading ingredients evenly to ensure each bite contains a balanced mix of beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce.

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hobo Casserole blends comforting flavors of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in one delightful dish. Homemade goodness meets simple preparation, inviting you to savor a classic meal that warms both stomach and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the dish)
• Optional toppings: chopped parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it into small pieces while cooking.
3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and season with salt and pepper.
5. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
6. Arrange a uniform layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
7. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato base.
8. Pour half of the prepared soup mixture across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Top with remaining potato slices, then drizzle the remaining soup mixture to create a complete surface layer.
10. Seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
11. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to oven uncovered.
12. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
13. Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven.
14. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving to enhance visual appeal and add fresh flavor.

Notes

• Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and limiting added salt during cooking.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg