Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: 7 Comforting Secrets

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food—Hobo Casserole with ground beef! This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, packed with hearty goodness and so easy to whip up. I mean, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal that’s loaded with flavor? It’s become a staple in my household, especially on busy weeknights when I need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. My kids adore it, and I can sneak in all those veggies they sometimes try to avoid. Trust me, this casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite!

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that nice golden top we all love. While you’re prepping, the oven will be warming up, so it’s all about efficiency!

Brown the Beef and Onion

Now, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and the chopped onion, and let them cook together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5-7 minutes should do it. Oh, and don’t forget to drain any excess fat. This little step makes the dish a bit healthier and keeps it from being too greasy!

Combine Ingredients

Once your beef and onion are beautifully cooked, it’s time to mix things up! In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with the drained green beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and those diced potatoes. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ll be amazed at how good it smells already!

Transfer and Bake

Now comes the fun part! Transfer that hearty mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top—because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better! Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Just wait until you see it come out of the oven; it’s pure comfort food bliss!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Hobo Casserole turns out absolutely delicious, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First off, don’t be afraid to mix things up with your veggies. Fresh or frozen green beans and corn work beautifully, so use whatever you have on hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some diced bell peppers or even carrots for extra color and flavor!

Now, if you want to lighten things up a bit, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’s a great way to cut down on fat while still keeping that comforting vibe. And if you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling fancy!

Lastly, always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking; a pinch more salt or a dash of garlic powder can take this dish to the next level. Trust me, these little tweaks can make all the difference in creating a casserole your family will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what’s in this comforting dish! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, so your actual values may vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 20g

This casserole is not only hearty and filling, but it also packs a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a balanced meal option for you and your family. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s good for you too!

FAQ About Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! This casserole is super versatile. You can swap in fresh or frozen veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even peas if you have them. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge while adding some variety!

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, no worries! You can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade white sauce. Just keep it creamy for that perfect texture!

How do I store leftovers?
To keep your leftovers fresh, let the casserole cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through!

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You can poke a fork into the potatoes to check for doneness—if it goes in easily, you’re good to go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Hearty and filling, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
• Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
• Versatile: customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!
• Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
• One-pan dish means less cleanup—yay for that!
• Deliciously cheesy on top, with a comforting blend of flavors throughout.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious Hobo Casserole fresh, let it cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll be good for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy those comforting flavors again without any fuss!

When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of options. You can microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters! If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This method helps maintain that lovely cheesy top and keeps the texture just right.

Oh, and if you find yourself with a little extra cheese on hand, feel free to sprinkle some more on top before reheating for an even cheesier delight. Trust me, it’s worth it!

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