The aroma of hobo casserole ground beef wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Picture this: a bubbling, cheesy concoction that brings together tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices that dance on your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings watching your favorite sitcom.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for hobo casserole ground beef
- How to Make hobo casserole ground beef
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What ingredients do I need for hobo casserole ground beef?
- How long does it take to cook hobo casserole ground beef?
- Can I make hobo casserole ground beef in advance?
- What can I serve with hobo casserole ground beef?
- Conclusion for hobo casserole ground beef:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to my childhood. I remember those long days at school, coming home to the delightful smell of hobo casserole lingering in the kitchen. My mom would have it bubbling away in the oven, filling our home with warmth and comfort. This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a memory woven into the fabric of my family life. So grab your fork and get ready for an explosion of flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hobo casserole ground beef is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish everyone will love.
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients for hobo casserole ground beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without too much grease; about 1 pound should do.
- Onion: One medium onion adds great depth; chop it finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic will add an aromatic punch to the dish.
- Bell Peppers: Any color works! Dice one or two peppers for sweetness and crunch.
- Canned Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes provides moisture and acidity; go for low-sodium if preferred.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: About two cups will add color and nutrition—no chopping required!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese is essential for that gooey topping; use about one cup.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a dash of Italian seasoning bring everything together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make hobo casserole ground beef
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until they’re fragrant and translucent—about three minutes will do.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add in the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it browned all over! This should take around five minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Stir in your diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow everything to simmer together for about five minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and serve hot! Pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal—it’s comfort food at its finest!
You Must Know
- This hobo casserole ground beef recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hearty hug in a dish.
- With layers of flavors, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese, it transforms any weeknight into a cozy gathering.
- Perfect for the family table or leftover lunches!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef until it’s perfectly caramelized. While that sizzles away, chop your veggies and layer them in the casserole dish. Finally, combine everything with your favorite seasonings and top it off with cheese for a melty finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. Toss in seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, or add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick. Make this your own culinary masterpiece!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring that cheesy goodness stays intact for maximum flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For hobo casserole ground beef perfection, remember to drain excess fat after browning the meat for a less greasy dish.
- Use fresh herbs to elevate flavors and brighten the overall taste.
- Always cover while baking to keep moisture locked in and create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Sometimes I think back to that one potluck where I brought this hobo casserole ground beef dish. My friends devoured it faster than I could serve it! It truly showed me how comfort food brings everyone together.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for hobo casserole ground beef?
To make a delicious hobo casserole with ground beef, you will need essential ingredients such as one pound of ground beef, two cups of diced potatoes, one cup of chopped onions, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. You can also add mixed vegetables like carrots and peas for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination creates a hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
How long does it take to cook hobo casserole ground beef?
Cooking hobo casserole with ground beef typically takes about an hour. After preparing your ingredients, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure everything cooks evenly and achieves that delicious golden top.
Can I make hobo casserole ground beef in advance?
Yes, you can prepare hobo casserole ahead of time! Assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This makes meal prep easy!
What can I serve with hobo casserole ground beef?
Hobo casserole pairs well with various sides. Consider serving a fresh garden salad for a light touch or some crusty bread to soak up any savory juices. If you want something heartier, garlic bread or cornbread complements this dish nicely. The combination enhances your meal experience while keeping things simple yet satisfying.
Planning your weekly menu? Browse these dinner recipe ideas for more delicious inspiration.
Conclusion for hobo casserole ground beef:
In summary, hobo casserole with ground beef is an easy, flavorful dish that brings comfort to any table. With a few basic ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it from scratch or prepping ahead of time, this recipe offers flexibility without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this cozy classic at your next family dinner!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
This hobo casserole is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and gooey cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Instructions:
- 1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- 3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- 4. Mix Everything Together: Stir in the diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- 5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- 6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- 7. Serve Hot: Enjoy your hobo casserole warm! Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
