Easy & Yummy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole 🥘🍽️ Comfort Food Delight
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare, the Hobo Casserole recipe is your answer. Also known as a Ground Beef and Potato Bake, this rustic comfort food combines flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory seasonings baked into a one-pan wonder. This classic dish has stood the test of time because of its ease and deliciousness, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step to create a savory, cheesy, and comforting Hobo Casserole that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole Recipe
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For tips on preparing vegetables and enhancing flavors, consider using tools like the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master. To keep your ingredients fresh, check out the JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking, and dice the onion and garlic.
Cooking the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic, then stir in the ground beef. Cook until browned, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Assembling the Casserole
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, then pour some of the soup mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes and the remaining soup mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
Baking the Hobo Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
4. How to Store Leftovers of the Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Hobo Casserole
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. Looking for a side? Check out some easy lunch ideas to complement your casserole.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hobo Casserole
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, making this a flexible and versatile rustic comfort food.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy a gluten-free Hobo Casserole.
How long does it take to make this dish?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 1 hour, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Make baking and cooking easier with durable nonstick pans that ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: While primarily for beverages, this handy gadget helps keep ingredients fresh when prepping.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: For slow-cooked variations or meal prepping.
Each of these tools enhances your cooking experience and simplifies the process of making comfort food classics like this Hobo Casserole recipe.
8. Variations and Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole
- Add diced vegetables like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for a flavor boost.
- Use shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
For inspiration, explore more savory dinner recipes on our site.
9. Conclusion
The Hobo Casserole recipe is a delightful, rustic comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty meal. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy families or when you want a classic dish with minimal fuss. Whether you call it Ground Beef and Potato Bake or rustic comfort food, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
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Easy & Yummy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Discover how to make an irresistible Hobo Casserole with ground beef and potatoes, a rustic comfort food perfect for quick and satisfying family dinners. This easy recipe combines flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheesy goodness baked into a hearty one-pan dish that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice potatoes thinly and prepare diced onion and minced garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onions until translucent, add garlic, then ground beef; cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In a greased baking dish, layer sliced potatoes, half of the cooked ground beef, then some of the soup mixture. Repeat layers and finish with a layer of potatoes topped with remaining soup mixture and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are sliced thin for even cooking. You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. For a spicier flavor, sprinkle more paprika or add chopped jalapeños. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg