Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: Easy, Delicious in 30!

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food – Hobo Casserole
• 2. Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
• 3. Hobo Casserole Ingredients: What You’ll Need
• 4. How to Make Hobo Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
  • 4.2. Step 2: Layering the Casserole
  • 4.3. Step 3: Baking to Perfection
• 5. Tips and Tricks for the Best Hobo Casserole
• 6. Hobo Casserole Variations: Customize Your Dish!
• 7. Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Hobo Casserole
• 8. Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Foire Aux Questions

1. Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food – Hobo Casserole

Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s pure, unadulterated comfort in a baking dish. I’m talking about the legendary Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe, a meal that brings together hearty flavors and simple ingredients in the most wonderful way. If you’re searching for a go-to weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore, your search ends here. This simple casserole is the definition of a satisfying one-pan meal.

This isn’t just any ground beef casserole; it’s a nostalgic classic. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, familiar green beans, and a rich tomato soup base, all topped with gooey, melted cheese, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly easy to assemble, and perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious on the table fast. Let’s get cooking!

2. Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy casserole recipe. It’s a true kitchen champion that delivers on all fronts, making it a staple in countless homes.

• Incredibly Easy: With simple layering and minimal prep work, even beginner cooks can master this dish with confidence. It’s a true “set it and forget it” kind of meal.
• Budget-Friendly: This hobo casserole uses common, inexpensive ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, making it a fantastic meal for stretching your grocery budget.
• Family-Approved Comfort Food: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese is a certified crowd-pleaser. It’s a hearty, filling meal that satisfies kids and adults alike.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes together in a single dish, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze! Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your evening.

3. Hobo Casserole Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The beauty of this hobo casserole recipe lies in its simplicity. Here are the humble ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece of comfort food. No fancy items required!

• Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound. Using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) means less grease to drain. For more tips on selecting the best kind, check out this guide to ground beef.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Adds a foundational layer of savory flavor.
• Potatoes: 2-3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick). Thin slices ensure they cook through and become tender.
• Canned Green Beans: One 15-ounce can, drained. A classic and convenient vegetable layer.
• Condensed Tomato Soup: One 10.75-ounce can. This creates the rich, savory sauce that brings the whole dish together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 to 1.5 cups. Feel free to use more if you’re a cheese lover! Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. For seasoning the beef and layers.

4. How to Make Hobo Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to assemble this delicious ground beef casserole? Following these steps will guarantee a perfect result every time. We’ll break it down into three simple phases: preparing, layering, and baking.

4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get everything prepped and ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it heats, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep your casserole from being too oily.

4.2. Step 2: Layering the Casserole

Now comes the fun and easy part—the assembly! Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the beef. Follow that with the drained green beans, spreading them evenly. Finally, pour the entire can of condensed tomato soup over the top, using a spatula to spread it to the edges. Do not stir the layers!

4.3. Step 3: Baking to Perfection

It’s time for the oven to work its magic. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam and ensures the potatoes cook through to become perfectly tender. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, and return the dish to the oven, uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly.

5. Tips and Tricks for the Best Hobo Casserole

Want to take your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few pro tips to ensure success.

• Slice Potatoes Thinly: The key to perfectly cooked potatoes is slicing them thin and uniformly, no thicker than 1/8 inch. A mandoline slicer is fantastic for this if you have one!
• Season Every Layer: A light sprinkle of salt and pepper over the potato layer before adding the soup can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Let It Rest: After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to set up, making it much easier to slice and serve.
• Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir the layers together before baking. The distinct layers are what make this hobo casserole so special.

6. Hobo Casserole Variations: Customize Your Dish!

One of the best things about this simple casserole is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Change the Veggies: Not a fan of green beans? Swap them for a can of drained corn, peas, or mixed vegetables.
• Switch the Soup: For a creamier version, substitute the tomato soup with a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of smoked paprika to the ground beef for an extra flavor boost. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
• Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! A Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious.

See others recipes here to find more amazing casserole ideas!

7. Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Hobo Casserole

This Hobo Casserole is a fantastic one-pan meal, making it a complete dinner on its own. However, if you’d like to round it out with a little something extra, here are a few simple serving suggestions.

A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the casserole. You also can’t go wrong with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for soaking up every last bit of that delicious tomato sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food pairing!

8. Storage and Reheating Instructions

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Storing it is simple.

To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings for a couple of minutes or place the entire baking dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without the cheese on top) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time to account for the chill.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?

Yes, you can easily substitute frozen vegetables. For best results, use frozen green beans, corn, or peas. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them to the casserole frozen. They will cook perfectly in the oven along with the other ingredients.

Is this Hobo Casserole recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole freezes quite well, but potatoes can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing. For the best results, bake the casserole completely and let it cool. You can freeze the entire dish or individual portions in freezer-safe, airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.