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