Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a simple, hearty, and comforting one-pan dish combining tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this casserole is quick to prepare, filling, and easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups diced or shredded potatoes (small dice recommended or parboiled)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen green beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup or tomato sauce (use gluten-free if required)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Add the diced onions and cook until both are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Mix in Potatoes and Green Beans: Add diced potatoes and green beans to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and allow vegetables to soften slightly while flavors meld.
- Add Tomato Soup and Seasonings: Pour in tomato soup or sauce and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Move the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and nicely browned. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use smaller diced or parboiled potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
- Drain excess grease after browning ground beef to keep casserole from being greasy.
- Sauté onions and spices with the beef first to develop a rich savory base.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
- Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for better texture and easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, gluten-free casserole