Simple Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe (Print Version)
Whip up a comforting Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. This hearty, budget-friendly meal is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
02 -
4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
03 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
04 -
1 (12 oz / 340g) bag frozen green beans (or 1 ½ cups fresh)
→ Creamy & Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can cream of mushroom soup
06 -
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings & Toppings
08 -
1 tsp garlic powder
09 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
11 -
1 ½ cups (150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Optional Extras
12 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes
14 -
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your large skillet sizzling over medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, with no pink bits left. This is where a lot of the flavor for your Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef builds, so don't rush it! Once it's almost done, throw in your diced onion and let it soften up, stirring occasionally until it's translucent and smelling amazing. Drain any excess fat – nobody wants a greasy casserole, right?
02 -
Now, turn the heat down to low. In that same skillet with the beef and onions, pour in your cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together until it's smooth and well combined. This is the heart of your Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, so make sure everything is incorporated. I remember one time I didn't stir enough, and I ended up with a lumpy sauce. Oops! Just keep stirring until it's lovely and creamy.
03 -
Time for the green beans and those diced potatoes. Fold them into the beef and sauce mixture. Now, sprinkle in your garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is evenly coated. This step always makes my kitchen smell incredible, like pure comfort. You can add a little more salt than you think you need here, as the potatoes will soak it up.
04 -
Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Honestly, a little cooking spray goes a long way to prevent sticking. Carefully spoon the entire mixture from your skillet into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it forms a nice, flat layer. I always make sure to get every last bit of that delicious sauce out of the skillet – no waste here!
05 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for cooking those potatoes through and keeping everything moist. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the potatoes are tender; you can check with a fork. I've definitely undercooked the potatoes once, and it was a bit crunchy, so don't skip this check!
06 -
After 45 minutes, pull the Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef out of the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle that generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Put it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, maybe even a little golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The aroma of melted cheese is just everything, isn't it?
# Notes:
01 -
Always brown your ground beef really well before adding other ingredients; it builds a deep flavor base.
02 -
Don't skimp on covering the casserole during the first bake; it ensures the potatoes cook through evenly.
03 -
A dash of smoked paprika with the garlic powder can add an unexpected, delightful depth.
04 -
For a quick meal prep, you can chop veggies and brown beef a day ahead.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
aluminum foil
04 -
mixing spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 25 g