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This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a comforting, budget-friendly classic. It’s perfect for a crowd and simple to make. Combining ground beef, potatoes, and other veggies in one pan creates a complete and satisfying meal. My grandma made this often when I was a kid, and now it’s a family favorite in my own home. It’s hearty, delicious, and a great way to use readily available ingredients. For another comforting ground beef dish, try our Steak Chili Recipe.
Why This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Is Special
This Hobo Casserole is easy and customizable. Use whatever vegetables you have, letting their natural flavors shine. The simple seasoning complements everything perfectly. It’s a great way to minimize food waste and enjoy a delicious, balanced meal without much fuss.
Ingredients
For the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Peel and dice the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and peel them using a vegetable peeler. Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in size.
Chop the remaining vegetables: Wash and chop the carrots, celery, and onion into similarly sized pieces. Having uniformly sized vegetables ensures even cooking.
Browning the Beef and Sautéing Vegetables
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. For other ground beef recipes, check out these Ground Beef Crock-Pot Recipes.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Assembling and Baking the Casserole
Combine the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, combine the browned ground beef and sautéed vegetables with the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Check for doneness: To test if the potatoes are cooked, pierce them with a fork. They should be easily pierced and soft. For a delicious chicken casserole option, try our Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
Tips and Variations
Customizing Your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
This Hobo Casserole recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to make it your own! Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for the ground beef. If you enjoy sausage, our Cabbage and Sausage recipe is another great option. If you’re using Italian sausage, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt, as the sausage is often already seasoned.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Green beans, corn, peas, or even diced bell peppers would be delicious additions. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A bay leaf adds a nice depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving.
Making Ahead and Freezing
This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven as directed and add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. For tips on safe food storage, check out this article from Healthline: Food Safety Tips.
To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil and then a layer of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding about 20-30 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and the potatoes are tender. You can also freeze leftover cooked casserole. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Wondering how long ground beef lasts? Healthline provides helpful information: How Long Does Ground Beef Last?
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Hobo casserole ground beef recipe
What makes a Hobo casserole “the best” is subjective, but it often comes down to using quality ingredients and achieving balanced flavors. This recipe provides a foundation for a delicious casserole, but its flexibility allows you to tailor it to your preferences. The best Hobo casserole is the one you enjoy the most!
Hamburger casserole
Hamburger casserole is a broad term for casseroles featuring ground beef as the primary protein. Hobo casserole falls under this umbrella, often incorporating potatoes and other vegetables for a hearty, complete meal. They are essentially the same dish, with “Hobo casserole” emphasizing its simple, adaptable nature.
Hamburger and potato casserole
Hamburger and potato casserole is a classic comfort food combination. This Hobo Casserole recipe highlights that pairing, adding layers of flavor with seasonings and other vegetables. It’s a flavorful and satisfying take on this familiar dish.
Ground beef with potatoes
Ground beef and potatoes are a versatile and economical duo. They form the base for countless dishes, including this Hobo casserole. This classic pairing provides a blank canvas for various flavor profiles, from simple and savory to rich and complex. The Hobo casserole exemplifies this versatility.
Serving and Enjoying Your Hobo Casserole
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs well with a simple side salad for added freshness. A piece of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious juices. For an extra touch of creamy richness, serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
This casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to my childhood. The aroma filling the kitchen always brings back memories of my grandma and the simple, comforting meals she created. Now, I share this tradition with my own family, and it’s just as cherished as ever. I hope it brings your family as much joy as it brings mine.
