Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming plate of hobo casserole. This hobo casserole ground beef recipe easy is my go-to for those busy weeknights when I crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and colorful veggies, all wrapped up in creamy goodness. I love how simple it is—just toss everything together and let the oven do the work! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect for family dinners, and I promise your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful hobo casserole is super easy! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef – This is the star of the show, bringing that savory flavor and protein punch. You can also use ground turkey if you want a lighter option!
2 cups diced potatoes – I usually go for Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture, but any kind will do. Just make sure they’re diced small enough to cook through!
1 cup chopped onions – Yellow onions add a lovely sweetness, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Shallots work great too!
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – This is where you can sneak in some extra nutrition! I love that they’re already cut and ready to go, making prep a breeze.
1 can cream of mushroom soup – This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try cream of chicken or even a homemade version!
1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar is my favorite for that gooey, melty goodness, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Salt and pepper to taste – Always adjust this to your liking! I usually add a pinch more pepper for a little kick.

How to Prepare Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

Now, let’s dive into how to whip up this hobo casserole! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and toasty by the time you’re ready to pop your casserole in!
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions. You want to cook it until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break up the beef as it cooks!
Once that’s done, stir in the diced potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Give it all a good mix so everything gets coated with that savory beef flavor.
Now, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and stir until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it smells heavenly!
Season it with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to adjust according to your preference.
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it cook perfectly!
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. More cheese is always better, right? Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

And there you have it! A simple, delicious hobo casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite!

Tips for Success with Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

To really nail this hobo casserole, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to cut your potatoes into small, even pieces. This helps them cook through evenly and ensures that you don’t end up with crunchy bites. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning! A good sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate the flavors, so taste as you go. If you want a little extra zing, consider adding some garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Another great tip is to let the casserole sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set a bit and makes serving easier. And if you have leftovers, this casserole reheats beautifully—just pop it in the microwave or oven! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying everyone’s taste buds.
One-Dish Wonder: With everything cooked in one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze. Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones!
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses, and even trade the ground beef for turkey or chicken to mix things up!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory beef, creamy soup, and melty cheese creates a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Nutritional Information for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious hobo casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes, but it’s a good guideline to follow:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 20g

This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also packs a protein punch, making it a great option for a filling meal. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!

FAQ about Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be a great addition. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook through in the same time as the potatoes.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade creamy sauce. Just keep the consistency similar for the best results!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything and place it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Is this hobo casserole suitable for freezing?
Definitely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping and storing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Can I spice it up a bit?
For sure! If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. It’ll give your hobo casserole a nice kick!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

When it comes to this hobo casserole, flexibility is key! Here are some options for ingredient swaps and notes to keep in mind:

Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly.
Potatoes: Any variety of potatoes works here, but I recommend sticking to Yukon Gold or red for their creamy texture. If you want to skip the peeling and chopping, frozen diced potatoes are a fantastic shortcut!
Onions: Yellow onions are my go-to for their sweetness, but white or red onions can also add a nice flavor. If you’re short on onions, shallots can work in a pinch.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to mix it up! If you have fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans, they’d be delicious too—just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re not a mushroom fan, consider using cream of chicken or even a homemade creamy sauce made with milk and flour for a lighter version.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can switch it out for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese that melts well. I sometimes mix different cheeses for a flavor boost!
Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to experiment! If you love garlic, consider adding garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the mixture. A sprinkle of paprika or Italian seasoning can elevate the dish even more!

These swaps not only keep the dish exciting but also allow you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy

Storing leftovers from this delightful hobo casserole is super simple! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either reheat it in the microwave or pop it back in the oven. If using the oven, cover it with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This dish tastes just as amazing the next day, so don’t hesitate to dig in!

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy: 7 Comforting Steps

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Easy hobo casserole with ground beef.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onions.
Add in the diced potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup.
Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen vegetables.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Can substitute ground beef with turkey.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef recipe, easy casserole

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