Hearty Hobo Casserole: My Simple Ground Beef Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up a satisfying Hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies. It's a comforting, easy dinner for busy nights!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
03 -
1 large onion, chopped
→ Flavor & Veggies
04 -
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 -
1 ½ cups frozen green beans
06 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
07 -
1/2 cup milk (whole milk for best richness)
08 -
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
→ Seasoning Staples
09 -
1 tsp garlic powder
10 -
1 tsp onion powder
11 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
12 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Optional Finishes
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First up, get a large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it beautifully browned, no pink bits, okay? This is where all that savory foundation starts for our Hearty Hobo Casserole. I usually see little bits of crispy deliciousness forming, and that's exactly what we're after! Drain off any excess fat; honestly, I used to skip this and ended up with a greasy mess. Learn from my oops!
02 -
Once the beef is browned and drained, add your chopped onion, carrots, and green beans to the skillet. Give them a good stir, letting them soften up a bit, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that lovely aroma of sautéed veggies, which is just the best! This step is crucial for tender vegetables in your Hearty Hobo Casserole. I've rushed it before, and the carrots were a bit too crunchy for my liking. Keep stirring, don't let anything stick!
03 -
Now, sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together, letting those spices wake up in the heat. Then, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir, stir, stir until everything is wonderfully combined and the sauce starts to bubble gently. It should look creamy and inviting, coating all the beef and veggies. This is where the magic really happens for our Hearty Hobo Casserole sauce!
04 -
Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish; no need to grease it, honestly. Carefully spoon the entire beef and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure those potatoes are nestled in there. I always press it down a bit to make sure everything is cozy and compact. This ensures every bite of your Hearty Hobo Casserole is packed with goodness.
05 -
Now for the best part! Generously sprinkle that freshly grated cheddar cheese all over the top. Don't be shy here; more cheese is always a good idea in my book! You want a nice, even layer that will melt into a golden, bubbly crust. I sometimes get a little messy with the cheese, but hey, it's homemade, right? This cheesy top is what makes this Hearty Hobo Casserole so irresistible.
06 -
Pop your casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells incredible and you can see the edges gently bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving; it helps everything set up. The aroma of this finished Hearty Hobo Casserole is just heavenly!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the fat from the ground beef; a greasy casserole is a sad casserole, trust me.
02 -
Storage is best in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat covered in the oven.
03 -
Try swapping green beans for corn or peas if you're out, it totally works!
04 -
Serve with a simple side salad to cut through the richness; it's a perfect balance.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 25 g