Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

Introduction: What Is Hobo Casserole?

If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying meal, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a perfect choice. This hearty dish is inspired by classic hobo meals, where simple yet flavorful ingredients are layered together to create a warm and comforting casserole. Ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Recipe

  • Quick and Easy – Minimal prep work and ready in under an hour.
  • Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
  • Perfect Comfort Food – Warm, cheesy, and filling.
  • Versatile – Easily adaptable with different ingredients.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious hobo casserole, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
  3. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Layers

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
  3. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
  4. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes and beef.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, and melted butter.
  2. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations to Try

1. Swap the Protein

  • Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
  • Try ground sausage for an extra kick of flavor.

2. Add More Vegetables

  • Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients.
  • Add spinach or kale for a healthier twist.

3. Make It Spicier

  • Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Mix in diced jalapeños for a heat boost.

4. Cheese Variations

  • Swap out cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss cheese.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole

  • Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
  • Steamed Vegetables – Try broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
  • Garlic Bread – A crusty loaf pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
  • Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

2. Do I Have to Use Cream of Mushroom Soup?

No, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or homemade béchamel sauce.

3. Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?

Yes! Frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes work well and save prep time.

4. How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

5. Can I Cook This in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Layer everything in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Satisfying Casserole

The Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness into a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this budget-friendly and hearty meal is a winner every time. Try it today and enjoy a simple yet delicious homemade casserole!

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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Meal


  • Author: isabil
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and budget-friendly comfort food perfect for a quick family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
  • Season the meat: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.
  • Layer the ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Repeat the layers.
  • Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and melted butter. Pour evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
  • Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Low-carb option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10minutes
  • Cook Time: 55minutes

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