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To make this tasty dish, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups diced potatoes - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup beef broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make your casserole even better, consider adding these optional ingredients: - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor - 1 cup cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch - Sliced mushrooms for added texture - A sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat If you lack some ingredients, here are smart swaps: - Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. - Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup. - Fresh vegetables can replace frozen ones; just chop them small. - Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian twist. These choices help keep the dish simple while still being delicious. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until brown, breaking it into small pieces. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any extra fat. This makes the dish less greasy. Next, chop up one medium onion and mince three garlic cloves. Add them to your skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This adds great flavor to your beef. Now, it’s time to add more ingredients. Stir in 2 cups of diced potatoes and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. I like to use peas, carrots, and corn. Next, pour in 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Then, add 1 cup of beef broth. Mix everything well. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together nicely. Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer your beef and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven without the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble nicely. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. Enjoy your hobo ground beef casserole! To get tender potatoes in your casserole, cut them small. Use diced pieces about half an inch. This size helps them cook evenly and quickly. Par-boil the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the mix. This step cuts down on baking time and gives you softer potatoes. To boost the taste, use fresh herbs. Try adding chopped parsley or basil. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth, too. Don't forget to season well with salt and pepper. The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess, but you can mix in a touch of sour cream for a nice tang. Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can mix it up. Try Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy taste. If you love a bit of kick, pepper jack cheese works great. Crumbled feta adds a unique twist. Always choose cheese that melts well for that gooey topping we all love. Pro Tips Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, which helps achieve a healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the casserole mixture a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and bake it fresh when ready to serve. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand for a personal touch. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Hobo Casserole. Start by swapping ground beef for a mix of beans. Black beans or lentils work well. Use the same onion, garlic, and potatoes. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps it hearty and filling. Don’t forget the cream of mushroom soup for that creamy texture. Feel free to explore different meats in your casserole. Ground turkey or chicken can be great swaps. They are leaner but still full of flavor. For a twist, try sausage for a bit of spice. If you want a unique touch, use shredded beef or pork. Each choice can change the dish’s flavor profile. Seasonal vegetables can add freshness to your Hobo Casserole. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a bright taste. Summer is perfect for zucchini or fresh corn. In fall, think about adding butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Winter may call for root veggies like carrots or parsnips. Mixing in seasonal produce keeps the dish exciting and nutritious. After you enjoy your Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, let it cool. Use an airtight container to hold the leftovers. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top for extra protection. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it’s cool before you seal it. This helps keep the flavors fresh. When you’re ready to heat up your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. You can freeze this casserole for future meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. To cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the texture and taste just right. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the beef and veggies as usual, then cool the mix before placing it in a baking dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake it as directed. This casserole is filling on its own, but you can add sides for more variety. A simple green salad pairs well. You might also enjoy some crusty bread or garlic bread. These options add crunch and complement the rich flavors of the casserole. To add heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy sausage instead of regular ground beef. Another option is to sprinkle some red pepper flakes before baking. These changes will bring extra warmth and flavor to your meal. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious hobo ground beef casserole. You learned about key ingredients and easy substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it perfectly. Tips for great flavor and texture made the dish even better. Plus, we explored variations for different diets. Lastly, I offered storage and reheating advice to keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy this dish your way, and happy cooking!

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, vegetables, and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Stir in the diced potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables, followed by the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Mix well until combined.
  • Season the mixture with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef