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To create a tasty Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can swap out some of the fresh produce based on what you have. Here are some ideas: - Use frozen spinach instead of fresh. - Try other potatoes, like red or sweet potatoes. - Instead of bell peppers, you can use zucchini or mushrooms. - If you lack fresh garlic, garlic powder works too. The cheese adds a nice flavor and texture to the dish. Here are some great options: - Sharp cheddar is the classic choice. - Monterey Jack offers a milder taste. - You can use mozzarella for a stretchy texture. - Consider a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell peppers, diced - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps cook the casserole evenly. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra fat to keep it light. Mix in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to soften a bit. Stir in the chopped spinach, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Cook this for 2 more minutes to let the flavors blend. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start layering with half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Then, spoon half of the beef and vegetable mix over the potatoes. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite is tasty. Repeat this process. Add the rest of the sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Make sure to distribute everything well. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the potatoes cook through. After 30 minutes, carefully take off the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier slicing. Enjoy your meal! To stop your casserole from being greasy, drain the fat from the beef after cooking. This step is key. Use a spatula to break up the meat well. This helps it cook evenly. You can also use leaner beef if you prefer. Ground turkey is a great choice too. It gives the same flavor but with less fat. When you sauté, heat your pan first. Add olive oil before the onions. Cook the onions until they are soft. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add garlic for more flavor. Stir them often to avoid burning. After the onions and garlic, add your bell peppers. Sauté them until just soft, about 2-3 minutes. This keeps them bright and tasty. Serve your hobo ground beef casserole hot from the oven. For a nice touch, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. Sour cream on top is a great way to add creaminess. Enjoy it with family or friends for a cozy meal! Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: Ensuring the ground beef is browned thoroughly enhances the flavor of the casserole, giving it a rich, savory base. Layering Technique: For optimal cooking, layer the potatoes and beef mixture evenly. This ensures that both the potatoes and beef cook through and meld together nicely. Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor twist that complements the dish. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart. {{image_4}} You can easily turn this dish vegetarian. Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat. Options like lentils or mushrooms work great. Lentils add protein, while mushrooms give a nice texture. You can also add more beans for extra fiber. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Cook the lentils until tender before adding them to the dish. To boost flavor, try adding different spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar gives it a sweet tang. Other options are olives or capers for a briny bite. You can cook this casserole in several ways. Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Just layer everything in and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you prefer a quicker method, try using an Instant Pot. Cook for about 15 minutes, then let it release naturally. You can also bake it in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look and feel. Each method brings out different flavors in the dish. After enjoying your hobo ground beef casserole, let it cool first. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze the casserole, cool it completely. Cut it into individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you like, remove the foil for the last five minutes to crisp the cheese. Enjoy every bite! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step and cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge. This casserole is a complete meal, but you can add sides for more variety. Here are a few ideas: - Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens pairs well. - Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a nice crunch. - Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans can add color and nutrients. Ovens can vary in how they cook. If you have a convection oven, reduce the cooking time by about 10%. For older ovens, check the casserole a bit earlier than the suggested time. Use a fork to probe the potatoes. They should be tender when done. In this blog post, we covered all you need for a great hobo ground beef casserole. We discussed the key ingredients, fresh produce options, and cheese recommendations. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep and cooking, plus layering techniques. You learned tips to avoid greasy casseroles and best sautéing practices. Finally, we explored variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. You now have the tools to create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen!

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them together until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is nicely browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Mix in the diced bell peppers and sauté them for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften slightly.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well. Begin layering by placing half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes.
  • Add another layer of the remaining sliced potatoes followed by the rest of the beef mixture.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve each portion on a plate and consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef