If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings everyone together, this Dinner With Ground Beef: Hobo Casserole is just the ticket. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; my son, Jake, couldn’t stop raving about it. It’s a hearty ground beef casserole that’s easy to whip up and perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-dish wonder that saves on cleanup.
- The cheesy goodness makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- You can customize it based on what you have in the fridge.
Pure Comfort
This beef casserole is pure comfort food. The combination of tender beef, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes creates a warm hug in a dish. Plus, it’s so satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again.
What You Need
- 1 1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – You can substitute with shallots if needed.
- 2 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables – Feel free to use fresh veggies if you have them.
- 4 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced – Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
- 1 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – You can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute.
- 1 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- 1 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic can be used too.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Stir it frequently until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be nicely browned and fragrant.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion is soft and aromatic.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The veggies should be bright and just starting to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with the sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll see some bubbling around the edges when it’s ready.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Enjoy your delicious hobo casserole with your family, and watch it disappear!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add some Worcestershire sauce to the beef while it cooks.
- If you want a crunch, top with crushed potato chips before the final bake.
- Pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
Mix It Up
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a fresh garden salad.
- Pair with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Just cover it tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, add jalapeños or use spicy cheese for an extra kick!
Conclusion
This Dinner With Ground Beef: Hobo Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a way to gather and share love with family. With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the smiles around your dinner table!
Dinner With Ground Beef: Hobo Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced You can substitute with shallots if needed.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables Feel free to use fresh veggies if you have them.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup You can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used too.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to your preference.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Stir it frequently until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with the sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll see some bubbling around the edges when it’s ready.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious hobo casserole with your family, and watch it disappear!