Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe recipe

It’s funny how some of the most comforting and satisfying meals are often the simplest to throw together, born out of resourcefulness and a need to feed a hungry crowd. That’s exactly the charm of this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe – it’s unpretentious, incredibly easy, and delivers a hearty, flavorful dinner that always hits the spot. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was looking for budget-friendly family meals that didn’t compromise on taste. Let me tell you, this casserole quickly became a weeknight hero in our house. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about it – it reminds me of cozy evenings and comforting home-cooked food. My kids, even the picky one, love it, especially when it’s topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese. What I appreciate most is its versatility; you can easily adapt it to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Plus, it’s a true one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup – a huge win in my book! If you’re searching for a fuss-free, budget-conscious, and undeniably delicious family dinner that’s pure comfort food in a dish, you absolutely have to try this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying.

Ingredients

To embark on creating this classic and comforting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, you’ll need a collection of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that combine to create a hearty and flavorful dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a great way to use what you have on hand. Here’s a detailed list of ingredients, along with notes on substitutions and choosing the best components for your casserole:

For the Hearty Casserole Base:

• 1 pound Ground Beef: Ground beef is the protein powerhouse of this casserole, providing a rich and savory base. You can use ground chuck (80/20 blend) for a richer flavor, or lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) for a healthier option. If using leaner ground beef, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning to prevent dryness. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter variation, but ground beef is traditional for Hobo Casserole.
• 1 medium Onion, chopped: Onion provides an aromatic base and savory depth to the casserole. Yellow or white onions work well. Chop the onion into small dice so it cooks evenly and blends into the casserole.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole. Fresh garlic cloves are recommended for the best flavor. If you must substitute, you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic is preferable.
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Cream of mushroom soup is a classic pantry staple that provides creaminess and richness to the casserole, binding the ingredients together. For a lower-sodium option, look for “reduced sodium” cream of mushroom soup. You can also substitute with cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup, though cream of mushroom is most traditional. For a vegetarian option, cream of mushroom soup made with vegetable broth is available.
• 1 (10 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel), undrained: Diced tomatoes and green chilies add a touch of acidity, sweetness, and a mild kick of spice to the casserole. Using undrained tomatoes adds moisture to the dish. Rotel brand is commonly used, but any brand of diced tomatoes and green chilies will work. If you prefer less spice, use mild Rotel or regular diced tomatoes and omit the green chilies, or use a can of plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Green Beans, drained: Green beans add a vegetable component and a slightly tender-crisp texture to the casserole. Canned green beans are convenient and commonly used in Hobo Casserole. Make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole. You can substitute with fresh or frozen green beans (blanched before adding to the casserole), but canned are traditional and convenient.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Corn, drained: Corn adds sweetness and a pleasant texture to the casserole. Canned corn is convenient and works well. Drain the corn thoroughly. You can substitute with frozen corn (thawed) or fresh corn kernels (cut off the cob).
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of savory, umami flavor to the casserole. It enhances the beefy taste and complements the other ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole, complementing the beef and vegetables. You can substitute with other dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning.
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients in the casserole. Season generously to taste.

Optional Toppings (for added flavor and texture):

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a melty, cheesy topping and a sharp, savory flavor. Sharp cheddar is recommended for a stronger flavor, but mild or medium cheddar also work well. You can also use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Crushed Potato Chips or French Fried Onions: Crushed potato chips or French fried onions add a crispy, crunchy topping and a salty, savory element. Potato chips provide a more rustic crunch, while French fried onions offer a sweeter, oniony crispness. Choose your preference or use a combination.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green garnish to the finished casserole.

Equipment:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic. A skillet works well for browning, while a Dutch oven can be used for both browning and baking in one pot if oven-safe.
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: For baking the casserole in the oven.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onion and mincing garlic.
• Can Opener: For opening canned ingredients.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients assembled, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for creating this comforting and satisfying Hobo Casserole Ground Beef. This recipe is straightforward and involves browning the beef, sautéing aromatics, combining all ingredients, and baking until bubbly and golden. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics

1. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and is browned. Drain off any excess grease. Draining excess grease is important to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Sautéing the onion and garlic softens them and enhances their flavor, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.

Step 2: Combine Casserole Ingredients

1. Add Remaining Ingredients (except toppings): To the skillet with the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic, add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), drained green beans, drained corn, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir to Combine: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the soup is evenly distributed and all ingredients are mixed together.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture from the skillet into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
2. Optional Topping (Cheese): If using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole mixture at this point.
3. Optional Topping (Crispy Topping): If using crushed potato chips or French fried onions, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole, either before or after the cheese (if using cheese). Adding the crispy topping towards the end of baking will prevent it from burning.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and golden brown (if using cheese). If using a crispy topping, ensure it is golden brown and crispy.
5. Check Doneness: The casserole is done when it is heated through, bubbly, and the toppings are golden brown. You can insert a fork into the center to check if it’s heated through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the finished Hobo Casserole with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the Hobo Casserole hot, directly from the oven. It’s best enjoyed warm and comforting.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional profile of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef can be helpful for making informed dietary choices. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, ground beef fat content, portion sizes, and optional toppings used.

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (estimated, about 1/8th of the casserole in a 9×13 inch dish)
Approximate Servings per Recipe: 8

Approximate Nutrition Information per Serving (without optional cheese or crispy topping):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Total Fat: 12-15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7g (can vary with ground beef fat content)
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6-8g
• Cholesterol: 60-70mg
• Sodium: 600-700mg (can vary based on canned ingredients and soup, choose low-sodium options)
• Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 5-7g (naturally occurring from vegetables and tomatoes, some added sugar in soup)
• Protein: 15-20g

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Good Source of Protein: Ground beef provides a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Source of Vegetables: Green beans, corn, tomatoes, and onions contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
• Moderate Calories: Calorie count per serving is moderate, making it a reasonably balanced meal option.
• Source of Iron and B Vitamins: Ground beef is a good source of iron and B vitamins.

Important Notes:

• These values are estimates. For more precise nutritional information, use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• Sodium content can be significantly reduced by choosing low-sodium condensed soup, no-salt-added canned vegetables, and controlling added salt.
• The fat content, particularly saturated fat, will vary depending on the fat percentage of the ground beef used. Using leaner ground beef will reduce fat content.
• Adding cheese and crispy toppings will increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, while a comfort food classic, can be part of a balanced diet when portion sizes are considered and healthier ingredient choices (leaner beef, low-sodium options) are made.

Preparation Time

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is known for its quick and easy preparation, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved from start to finish:

• Prep Time: This includes chopping the onion and garlic, browning the ground beef, and gathering and measuring the remaining ingredients. Approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Chopping onion and mincing garlic: 5-7 minutes
  • Browning ground beef and sautéing aromatics: 8-10 minutes
  • Gathering and measuring canned goods and seasonings: 2-3 minutes
• Cook Time (Baking): The time the casserole spends baking in the oven. Approximately 20-25 minutes. This is largely hands-off time, allowing you to prepare side dishes or relax while the casserole bakes.

Total Time (Approximate): 35-45 minutes.

Active Time (Hands-On Time): Approximately 20-25 minutes.

As you can see, the total time from start to finish is under an hour, and the active hands-on time is even less than 30 minutes. This makes Hobo Casserole an incredibly efficient meal to prepare. The minimal prep work and relatively short baking time make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner on the table quickly.

How to Serve

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it suitable for casual family meals or potlucks. Its comforting flavors and simple presentation make it a crowd-pleaser in many settings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Hobo Casserole experience:

Classic & Simple Servings:

• Warm Bowls or Plates: The most straightforward and comforting way to serve Hobo Casserole is in warm bowls or on plates directly from the oven. The warm, hearty casserole is satisfying on its own.
• Garnished Simply: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• With Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Offer a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top of each serving. The coolness and tanginess of sour cream or Greek yogurt provide a nice contrast to the warm, savory casserole.
• Ketchup or Hot Sauce on the Side: Place ketchup or hot sauce on the table for those who like to add extra flavor or a bit of spice.

Side Dish Pairings (to create a more complete meal):

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. A Caesar salad, mixed greens salad, or a spinach salad would all pair well.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the casserole with additional steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Roasting vegetables adds depth of flavor.
• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with garlic bread, crusty bread, or dinner rolls for soaking up any delicious sauce from the casserole. Bread is always a welcome accompaniment to casseroles.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice: For a heartier meal, serve Hobo Casserole over a bed of mashed potatoes, white rice, or brown rice. This adds extra carbohydrates and makes it a more substantial dish.

Make it a Complete Casserole Meal:

• Add Extra Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables directly into the casserole itself. Consider adding diced potatoes, carrots, celery, or peas to the casserole mixture before baking for a more vegetable-rich meal.
• Layered Casserole: Create a layered casserole by adding a layer of mashed potatoes or sliced potatoes to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the ground beef mixture. This makes it a more complete one-dish meal.

Occasion-Based Serving Suggestions:

• Weeknight Family Dinner: Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight family meal. Serve it simply in bowls with a side salad for a balanced dinner.
• Potlucks and Casual Gatherings: Easy to transport and serve at potlucks, picnics, or casual get-togethers. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feeds a crowd.
• Comfort Food Meal on Cold Days: Ideal for cozy evenings and cold weather when you crave warm, comforting food.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Serve as a hearty and affordable meal option when you are looking to stretch your grocery budget.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to be enjoyed. Its simplicity and flavor make it a welcome addition to any table.

Additional Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef turns out perfectly delicious every time, here are five additional tips that can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet When Browning Beef: Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can steam the beef instead of browning it properly, which reduces flavor development. Browning in batches allows for better searing and enhances the savory flavor of the beef.
2. Drain Grease Thoroughly: After browning the ground beef, drain off any excess grease completely. Excess grease can make the casserole greasy and less appealing. Draining grease ensures a cleaner flavor and texture.
3. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole and make the edges too crispy. Bake for the recommended 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Check for doneness around 20 minutes and adjust baking time as needed based on your oven.
4. Customize Vegetables to Your Liking: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to the casserole based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Diced carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. This makes the recipe versatile and adaptable to your taste.
5. Add Crispy Topping Towards the End (if using): If using crushed potato chips or French fried onions as a crispy topping, add them during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. Adding them later ensures they become golden brown and crispy without getting too dark.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to consistently baking delicious and comforting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have questions about making Hobo Casserole Ground Beef? You’re not alone! Here are answers to five frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and cook with confidence:

Q1: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables instead of canned in Hobo Casserole. For green beans and corn, you can use fresh or frozen. If using fresh green beans, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. If using frozen corn, thaw it before adding. For tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies. You may want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili if you want to maintain the mild spice from the Rotel. Using fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole, but canned vegetables are convenient and work well for this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) a day in advance. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. Then, bake as directed, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. You can also bake the casserole completely, let it cool, and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q3: Can I freeze Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

A: Yes, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping or batch cooking. Let the baked casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions or leave it whole and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Casseroles with cream-based soups can sometimes have a slightly altered texture after freezing and thawing, but Hobo Casserole generally holds up well.

Q4: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup. What can I substitute?

A: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with other condensed cream soups. Good substitutes include:
* Cream of Celery Soup: Provides a similar creamy base with a celery flavor.
* Cream of Chicken Soup: Another classic substitute, adding a chicken flavor note.
* Cream of Potato Soup: Offers a creamy and potato-based flavor.
* Cream of Onion Soup: Adds a rich onion flavor.
* Homemade Cream Sauce: You can also make a simple homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings as a substitute, though this adds a bit more prep time.

The choice of substitute will slightly alter the overall flavor profile, but any of these cream soups will provide the creamy binding element needed for the casserole.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: To make Hobo Casserole vegetarian, you would need to substitute the ground beef. Options for vegetarian substitutes include:
* Lentils (cooked): Brown or green lentils, cooked until tender, can provide a hearty base.
* Mushrooms (diced and sautéed): A mix of mushrooms (cremini, portobello) can add a meaty texture and flavor.
* Vegetarian Ground Beef Crumbles: Commercially available vegetarian ground beef crumbles are designed to mimic the texture and flavor of ground beef.

To make it vegan, in addition to a vegetarian ground beef substitute, you would also need to substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan cream of mushroom soup (some brands are available) or make a homemade vegan cream sauce using plant-based milk and vegan butter. Ensure any cheese topping is also vegan cheese. The overall flavor profile will be different from the classic beef version but can still be a hearty and flavorful vegetarian or vegan casserole.

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