This hearty Hobo Casserole is a budget-friendly, one-pot wonder that combines seasoned ground beef with tender vegetables and potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish brings together simple ingredients in a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. The melted cheese topping adds a delicious finishing touch to this classic American comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- If using, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variation
- Tex-Mex Hobo Casserole: Add 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 cup corn, and substitute black beans for green beans. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with avocado slices.
- Italian Hobo Casserole: Add 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1/2 cup olives. Top with mozzarella cheese and serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
- Garden Veggie Hobo Casserole: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with 2 cups of additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cooking Notes
- The key to this casserole is ensuring the potatoes are cut into even, small pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes) so they cook through completely in the allotted time.
- For a quicker version, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before adding them to the mixture, reducing the oven time by about 15 minutes.
- If your casserole seems too dry before baking, add an extra 1/4 cup of beef broth to ensure everything cooks properly and remains moist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the casserole.
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for sopping up the delicious sauce.
- For a complete comfort food experience, add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out the meal.
Tips
- Make ahead option: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if cooking from cold.
- To reduce fat content, use 93% lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- For a crunchier topping, mix 1 cup of crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese during the final 10 minutes of baking.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of the oven? Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- How do I know when the casserole is done cooking? The casserole is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has thickened slightly. If your potatoes aren’t fully cooked after the recommended time, cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Absolutely! You can prep the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
- What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce? If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar, or a combination of balsamic vinegar and a small amount of molasses. Each will add a different but complementary flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
This Hearty Hobo Casserole is a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with great taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, this versatile one-pot meal delivers comfort food at its finest. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and potatoes creates a satisfying dish that’s easy to customize to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead option or a quick dinner solution, this casserole checks all the boxes for a wholesome, homemade meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole is a budget-friendly, one-pot wonder that combines seasoned ground beef with tender vegetables and potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish brings together simple ingredients in a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. The melted cheese topping adds a delicious finishing touch to this classic American comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- If using, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this versatile recipe with your favorite vegetables like carrots, corn, or peas.
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.
- This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
- For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad and warm bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, one-pot meal, budget-friendly dinner, potato casserole, family dinner