Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a delightfully easy and filling meal that combines savory ground beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful seasonings baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a quick yet satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Its one-pan style not only simplifies cleanup but also ensures a tasty blend of textures and flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples you likely already have, making meal prep hassle-free.
Hearty and Filling: Combines protein, veggies, and starches for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Family Friendly: Pleases picky eaters and can be easily customized to suit different tastes.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Budget Conscious: Uses affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef recipe shines because of its straightforward, delicious ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building rich flavor, hearty texture, and an inviting golden appearance.

Ground Beef: The star protein providing rich, savory depth and a satisfying bite.
Potatoes: Choose russet or Yukon gold for creamy texture and a starchy base.
Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic undertones that balance the dish.
Bell Pepper: Offers a burst of color and subtle crunch for freshness.
Canned Tomatoes: Deliver tangy moisture and a lovely sauce component.
Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, bringing creamy richness to the top layer.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to elevate flavor complexity.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and sauté vegetables for that perfect base.

Variations for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

One of the best things about this casserole is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to switch up ingredients for your dietary needs or simply add a personal twist, here are some easy ideas to make it your own.

Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Cheese Variety: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or cheddar blends for different flavor profiles.
Additional Vegetables: Mix in mushrooms, corn, or zucchini to boost nutrition and texture.
Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes to allow for even cooking. Dice the onion and bell pepper while preheating your oven to about 375°F (190°C). This preps your vegetables and sets the stage for a perfectly baked casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to build a deep, savory foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies and integrates their flavors with the meat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer half the sliced potatoes followed by half the beef and vegetable mixture. Add half the canned tomatoes over the beef, then repeat the layers. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheese evenly on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Tender

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and form a bubbly crust. The potatoes should be tender and the flavors deeply melded.

Pro Tips for Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Slice Potatoes Thin: Thin slices ensure even cooking and a tender bite throughout.
Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra grease from the beef to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your spices; they bring this simple dish to life.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier slicing.
Use a Sharp Knife: Makes cutting the casserole neater and presentation prettier.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chopped green onions add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens the rich casserole beautifully.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or steamed green beans work wonderfully to balance the richness and add a refreshing contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch, or family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, casual meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well; cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through to retain the casserole’s texture and taste without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe with similar cooking times and flavor absorption.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional; leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, but peeled potatoes will create a smoother casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the day before and refrigerate, then bake when ready to enjoy fresh and hot.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack depending on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses whole ingredients like beef, vegetables, and cheese without any flour-based thickeners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is your new go-to. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in no time!

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pan meal featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole offers a balanced combination of protein, veggies, and starch that the whole family will love, while keeping cleanup simple and quick.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1 pound ground beef

Vegetables & Produce

3 large potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) canned tomatoes

Dairy

1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella)

Seasonings & Oils

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to have it ready for baking.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a deep, savory base.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, blending their flavors with the meat.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, then half of the beef and vegetable mixture on top. Spread half of the canned tomatoes over the beef layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and tomatoes. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheese evenly on top.
Bake Until Golden and Tender: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly. The potatoes should be tender and the flavors well melded.

Notes

Slice potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Drain excess fat from the beef after browning to prevent a soggy casserole.
Season generously to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
Use a sharp knife when cutting for a neat presentation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, one-pan meal, family-friendly casserole, budget-friendly recipe, comfort food