Easy Hobo Casserole

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Introduction:

This Cozy One-Pan Hearty Hobo Bake brings back all the warm, nostalgic flavors of a hearty home-cooked meal. Layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, colorful veggies, and melty cheese come together in one baking dish easy to prep and even easier to love. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends when you want something filling and fuss-free.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with the chopped onion and garlic until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, sliced potatoes, carrots, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is well coated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and vegetables are fork-tender.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Variation :

  1. Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes – Swap out regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, earthier twist that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and cheese. It also adds more color and nutrition to your bake.
  2. Make It Tex-Mex Style – Add 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend. You can even toss in a can of drained corn or black beans for a bold flavor upgrade with a southwestern flair.
  3. Try a Cream of Chicken Soup Base – If you prefer a slightly milder or more poultry-forward flavor, use cream of chicken soup in place of cream of mushroom. It creates a richer, comforting profile that works especially well with ground turkey.

Cooking Notes:

  • Slice Potatoes Evenly – Thin, uniform slices of potato ensure everything cooks at the same rate. Uneven slices may leave some parts undercooked or others overly soft.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet – When browning the meat, give it room to caramelize rather than steam. This step boosts flavor and keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
  • Rest Before Serving – Letting the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier without falling apart.

Serving Suggestions :

  1. Top with Fresh Herbs for a Bright Finish – A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh contrast to the creamy, hearty flavors and brightens up the presentation.
  2. Serve with a Simple Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole and brings refreshing crunch to the plate.
  3. Pair with Warm Dinner Rolls or Biscuits – Fluffy rolls or buttery biscuits are perfect for scooping up every last bite of cheesy goodness from the dish.

Tips :

  1. Make Ahead and Refrigerate – Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The next day, bake as directed just add 10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
  2. Double and Freeze for Later – This recipe freezes well before baking. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as usual.
  3. Use a Mandoline for Quick Potato Slicing – If you’re short on time, a mandoline slicer makes prep super fast and ensures your potato slices are thin and uniform for even cooking.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned or fresh?
    Yes! Frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans work well. No need to thaw just mix them in frozen and bake as directed.

  2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

  3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
    Absolutely. Skip the ground meat and substitute with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use cream of celery soup for an extra veggie boost.

  4. How can I make it creamier or cheesier?
    Stir in ½ cup of sour cream, cream cheese, or a second can of soup before baking. For cheesier flavor, increase shredded cheese to 1½ cups or add some under the foil layer too.

Conclusion:

Easy Hobo Casserole is the ultimate all-in-one comfort dish savory, hearty, and brimming with nostalgic flavors. Whether you stick to the classic or make it your own with a few variations, it’s the kind of no-fuss dinner that brings the family running to the table. One pan, full bellies, happy hearts.

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Easy Hobo Casserole

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Cozy One-Pan Hearty Hobo Bake brings back all the warm, nostalgic flavors of a hearty home-cooked meal. Layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, colorful veggies, and melty cheese come together in one baking dish easy to prep and even easier to love. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends when you want something filling and fuss-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with the chopped onion and garlic until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, sliced potatoes, carrots, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is well coated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and vegetables are fork-tender.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or softened cream cheese before baking.
  • Swap in frozen mixed veggies for a shortcut no need to thaw.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce to the meat for extra depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef dinner, one-pan meal, cozy bake, hearty casserole

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