Hobo Ground Beef Casserole Savory and Hearty Meal

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Looking for a meal that’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor? The Hobo Ground Beef Casserole is your answer! Packed with tasty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this dish is perfect for feeding the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this easy recipe will warm your heart and fill your belly. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soup for a filling meal that warms the heart.
  2. Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner in a hurry.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting proteins, making it a flexible dish for any taste.
  4. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish, as it combines familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 cup green bell pepper, diced

– 1 cup onion, chopped

– 2 cups potatoes, diced

– 1 cup corn

– 1 can cream of mushroom soup

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole is simple to make. You need fresh and colorful ingredients. The ground beef is the star. It brings rich flavor. The green bell pepper and onion add sweetness. Potatoes give the dish a nice heartiness.

Corn adds a pop of color and texture. The cream of mushroom soup ties everything together. It creates a creamy mix. Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Garlic and onion powder boost the taste.

Don’t forget salt and pepper to season. Fresh parsley makes a nice garnish. This dish is both savory and fun. You can easily find these ingredients at your local store.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. Preheating helps cook the casserole evenly.

Brown the Ground Beef

Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until it turns brown. If there’s extra fat, drain it off.

Sauté the Vegetables

After the beef is browned, add 1 cup of diced green bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but not mushy.

Combine all Ingredients

Now, it’s time to mix everything! Add in 2 cups of diced potatoes, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the flavors blend.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover it with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes.

Add the Cheese and Finish

After 35 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Put it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. Check that the potatoes are tender. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for a Creamy Casserole

To keep your casserole creamy, use a good cream of mushroom soup. It adds rich flavor. Make sure to mix the soup well with the other ingredients. This helps blend the flavors. For more creaminess, you can add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese. This will make each bite feel smooth and tasty.

How to Use Leftover Ingredients

Leftover ingredients are a great way to make this dish even better. If you have extra veggies, like carrots or peas, toss them in. You can mix in cooked rice or pasta for more texture. Leftover meats also work. Just remember to cook them first. You can use this dish to clear out your fridge!

Presentation Tips for Serving

Serving matters! Use colorful bowls for a fun look. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright touch. You can also serve with a side salad or crusty bread. This makes the meal feel complete. If you want, add a dash of hot sauce for those who like spice. It adds a fun kick!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat and make the casserole lighter.
  2. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
  3. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist.
  4. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving for a quick meal.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat. You can use lentils or black beans as great protein options. For the cream of mushroom soup, try a homemade version with vegetable broth and mushrooms. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat.

Alternative Protein Choices

You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Both options work well and have a lighter flavor. If you want more protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu. These ingredients will add texture and nutrition.

Different Vegetable Combinations

Feel free to mix and match vegetables! You can try zucchini, carrots, or even broccoli. Just chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Mixing different colors can make the dish look more appealing. Remember to keep the potatoes as they add heartiness to the meal.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store Hobo Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place it in the fridge. It can last up to four days. Make sure it cools before sealing. If you want, you can also use plastic wrap. Just cover it tightly.

Reheating Guidelines

When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat carefully. You can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of one minute. Stir in between to help it warm evenly. If using an oven, set it to 350°F. Place the casserole in a safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout.

Freezing the Casserole

Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Let the casserole cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. Label it with a date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Hobo Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s cold.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you want a different flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. For a lighter option, try low-fat cream cheese mixed with broth. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty without losing the casserole’s heartiness.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also check the potatoes. They should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing different cheeses like gouda or Monterey jack can add depth to the flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cheese choices!

This blog post covered how to make a tasty Hobo Ground Beef Casserole. We discussed the simple ingredients and the easy steps, from prepping to baking. I shared tips for a creamy texture and how to use leftovers. You can explore variations, like vegetarian options or other proteins, too.

In the end, this dish is easy and fun to make. It’s perfect for any meal! Enjoy your cooking and share this great recipe with other

- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup onion, chopped - 2 cups potatoes, diced - 1 cup corn - 1 can cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Hobo Ground Beef Casserole is simple to make. You need fresh and colorful ingredients. The ground beef is the star. It brings rich flavor. The green bell pepper and onion add sweetness. Potatoes give the dish a nice heartiness. Corn adds a pop of color and texture. The cream of mushroom soup ties everything together. It creates a creamy mix. Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Garlic and onion powder boost the taste. Don't forget salt and pepper to season. Fresh parsley makes a nice garnish. This dish is both savory and fun. You can easily find these ingredients at your local store. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. Preheating helps cook the casserole evenly. Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until it turns brown. If there's extra fat, drain it off. After the beef is browned, add 1 cup of diced green bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but not mushy. Now, it's time to mix everything! Add in 2 cups of diced potatoes, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the flavors blend. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover it with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Put it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. Check that the potatoes are tender. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. To keep your casserole creamy, use a good cream of mushroom soup. It adds rich flavor. Make sure to mix the soup well with the other ingredients. This helps blend the flavors. For more creaminess, you can add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese. This will make each bite feel smooth and tasty. Leftover ingredients are a great way to make this dish even better. If you have extra veggies, like carrots or peas, toss them in. You can mix in cooked rice or pasta for more texture. Leftover meats also work. Just remember to cook them first. You can use this dish to clear out your fridge! Serving matters! Use colorful bowls for a fun look. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright touch. You can also serve with a side salad or crusty bread. This makes the meal feel complete. If you want, add a dash of hot sauce for those who like spice. It adds a fun kick! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat and make the casserole lighter. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving for a quick meal. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat. You can use lentils or black beans as great protein options. For the cream of mushroom soup, try a homemade version with vegetable broth and mushrooms. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Both options work well and have a lighter flavor. If you want more protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu. These ingredients will add texture and nutrition. Feel free to mix and match vegetables! You can try zucchini, carrots, or even broccoli. Just chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Mixing different colors can make the dish look more appealing. Remember to keep the potatoes as they add heartiness to the meal. Store Hobo Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place it in the fridge. It can last up to four days. Make sure it cools before sealing. If you want, you can also use plastic wrap. Just cover it tightly. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat carefully. You can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of one minute. Stir in between to help it warm evenly. If using an oven, set it to 350°F. Place the casserole in a safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Let the casserole cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. Label it with a date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it's cold. If you want a different flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. For a lighter option, try low-fat cream cheese mixed with broth. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty without losing the casserole's heartiness. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also check the potatoes. They should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Absolutely! You can use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing different cheeses like gouda or Monterey jack can add depth to the flavor. Don't be afraid to get creative with your cheese choices! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Hobo Ground Beef Casserole. We discussed the simple ingredients and the easy steps, from prepping to baking. I shared tips for a creamy texture and how to use leftovers. You can explore variations, like vegetarian options or other proteins, too. In the end, this dish is easy and fun to make. It’s perfect for any meal! Enjoy your cooking and share this great recipe with others.

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for camping or family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the diced potatoes, corn, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
  • After 35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls and sprinkle with additional parsley for a pop of color. You can accompany it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef

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