As a busy parent, I love meals that are easy and tasty. One hectic evening, I looked in the pantry for ideas. That’s when I remembered my mom’s Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef.
It only took 15 minutes to get everything ready. I had ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soups. These ingredients made a warm, affordable dish that my family loved.
This casserole is more than food; it’s a cozy memory of happy times. It was always on our table, whether it was a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend. The oven worked for nearly two hours, filling our home with delicious smells.
What is Hobo Casserole?
Hobo casserole is a comfort food loved by many. It mixes ground beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce. This dish is a warm, homey meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This recipe is great because you can change it up with what you have. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy nights or when you have guests. You’ll need ground beef, onions, garlic, and soups to make it.
It’s ready in under two hours, making it a crowd-pleaser. Its taste and ease make it a favorite in many homes across the U.S.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Making a tasty hobo casserole with ground beef needs the right mix of ingredients. These ingredients add flavor and nutrition to your meal. They make the hobo casserole recipe customizable and delicious.
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef is the main protein.
- Yellow Onion: 1 cup of finely diced onion adds depth to the flavor.
- Carrots: 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks, introduce natural sweetness.
- Potatoes: 1 pound of Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes, forms a hearty base.
- Canned Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup combines creaminess with rich flavor.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup of beef or chicken broth infuses moisture and enhances taste.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon), black pepper (1 teaspoon), onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder (1 teaspoon each) provide a well-rounded taste profile.
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups of cheddar cheese for melting and added richness.
Optional Add-ins
To make your hobo casserole even better, try adding different ingredients. They can boost nutrition and flavor:
- Vegetables: Add green beans, peas, sweet corn, bell peppers, or other seasonal vegetables.
- Spices: Change the taste with taco seasoning or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra zest.
- Creaminess: Try different cheeses, like American or a blend, to customize the flavor.
- Crunch: Top with French-fried onions before baking for a crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Hobo Casserole
Making a tasty hobo casserole with ground beef is easy and fun. This guide will help you make a great hobo casserole every time.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Your Oven: First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: Brown 1 lb of lean ground beef in a big skillet. Add 1 diced small yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook until it’s all done. Don’t forget to drain the fat.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
- Layer Ingredients: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of thin potato slices. Then, add half of the cooked beef mixture.
- Create Sauce: Mix 1 (10 oz) can of cream of chicken soup, 1 (10 oz) can of cream of potato soup, and ¼ cup of milk in a bowl. Pour half of this sauce over the beef layer.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of an 8 oz bag of grated cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers until you use up all the ingredients, ending with cheese.
- Bake: Cover your casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden brown.
This easy hobo casserole recipe takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare. It’s great for family dinners or parties.
Customizing Your Hobo Casserole Recipe
Making hobo casserole is fun because you can change it up. I like to add different veggies and adjust the spices to my liking. You can make it milder or spicier, whatever you prefer.
Vegetable Variations
I like to change up the veggies in my hobo casserole. Here are some ideas:
- Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a sweet touch.
- Bell Peppers: They add color, crunch, and flavor.
- Frozen Vegetables: Frozen peas or corn are quick and easy. Just cook them a bit longer.
Spice Level Adjustments
Changing the spice level is easy. It lets me make it just right for everyone. Here’s how:
- Mild Spice: Less spice or just salt and pepper is good for kids.
- Medium Spice: Taco seasoning or Italian herbs add flavor without being too much.
- Heated Up: Cayenne pepper, diced jalapenos, or red chili flakes make it spicy.
Cooking Techniques for Hobo Casserole
Choosing the right cooking methods for hobo casserole is key. A mix of techniques often works best. Baking is a top choice because it blends flavors well.
Broiling the casserole for a few minutes adds a golden crust. This makes it look and taste like a restaurant dish.
For veggies like carrots or potatoes, pre-cooking is a must. It keeps them tender and cooks evenly. Steaming or sautéing before adding them to the casserole helps a lot.
| Cooking Technique | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Baking | Cooking in the oven at 350°F for 75-90 minutes | Even heat distribution; melds flavors |
| Broiling | Finishing under the broiler for 2-3 minutes | Creates a crispy, golden top layer |
| Pre-cooking Vegetables | Steaming or sautéing tougher vegetables | Ensures vegetables are tender and cooked through |
Slow Cooker Hobo Casserole Instructions
Want a slow-cooked hobo casserole? I’ll show you how to make a tasty one. It cooks all day, blending flavors perfectly. It’s a smart way to cook.
Setting Up Your Slow Cooker
- Brown the Beef: Brown 1.5 pounds of 96% lean ground beef in a skillet. Use chopped onions and minced garlic. Drain the grease after.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Start with sliced potatoes (1.5 pounds) in your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the browned beef. Then, put in 12 ounces of baby carrots and 2 cans of cut green beans. Pour in 32 oz of fat-free beef stock and 2 cups of water. Season with 2 tablespoons of beef bouillon granules.
- Add the Soup Mixture: Mix in a can of diced tomatoes (15 oz) with oregano, basil, and garlic. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour and ½ tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken.
- Cook on Low: Cover your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check if the potatoes are tender. You can also cook on high for 1 hour, then low for 5-7 hours.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
After enjoying my delicious hobo casserole, I always have leftovers. Knowing how to store them keeps the flavor and texture good. This way, the casserole stays tasty even days later.
Refrigeration Instructions
To keep my hobo casserole leftovers fresh, I do this:
- Cool the casserole completely before storage.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover tightly with foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, I bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. This keeps it moist and tasty.
Freezing Guidelines
For meals in advance, follow these freezing guidelines for hobo casserole:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the wrapped casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When I’m ready to eat it again, I thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours. Then, I reheat it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s cold, it might need 10-15 more minutes to get bubbly.
Nutritional Information for Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is a tasty and filling meal. It has about 904 calories per serving. This makes it a great choice for a big meal.
It has 34 grams of protein. This comes from 1 pound of lean ground beef. It’s good for muscles.
Carbohydrates are about 85 grams per serving. Ingredients like onions, potatoes, and carrots add to this. They also give vitamins and minerals.
Fiber is around 6 grams. This helps with digestion.
Fats are about 47 grams per serving. This includes 13 grams of saturated fat and 29 grams of unsaturated fat. It has a lot of sodium, 1,745 milligrams. Cholesterol is 81 milligrams.
The table below summarizes the key nutritional details for hobo casserole:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 904 |
| Total Fat | 47g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 29g |
| Cholesterol | 81mg |
| Sodium | 1745mg |
| Carbohydrates | 85g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 34g |
Serving Suggestions for Hobo Casserole
Enjoying Hobo Casserole is better with the right side dishes. I like to try different pairings to make the meal even better. Here are some tasty options:
Pairing Side Dishes
- Salads: A fresh mixed greens salad or a tangy cucumber salad adds a nice crunch.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted Brussel sprouts or sautéed zucchini and onions add color and taste.
- Breads: Crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are great for scooping up the casserole.
Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. It has ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. This makes it a quick and satisfying meal for busy nights.
This dish is also very flexible. I can change the veggies or cheese to suit my family’s taste. It’s great for adding mushrooms or using ground turkey for a leaner option.
Hobo Casserole is loved by all ages. Its comforting flavors and textures make it a hit at any gathering. It brings everyone together, making every bite special.
