Go Back
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn) - 1 can (10.5 oz or 300g) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup beef broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish When making Hobo Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, focus on using quality ingredients. The ground beef gives a rich flavor. Choose fresh potatoes for the best texture. Thin slices cook evenly, blending well with the beef. Onions add a nice sweetness, enhancing the overall taste. Frozen mixed vegetables save time and add color. Using cream of mushroom soup makes the dish creamy. Beef broth adds depth to the flavor. Garlic powder and paprika spice things up. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking for a perfect taste. For a cheesy finish, add shredded cheddar on top. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. This dish is easy to make and great for family meals. Enjoy the savory twist this casserole brings to your table! 1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly. 2. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Slice the potatoes thinly and chop the onion finely. This will speed up cooking. 1. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to drain any excess fat. 2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Mix in the frozen vegetables, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 more minutes. This helps the flavors blend and thaws the veggies. 1. Layering the Potatoes: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, place half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Lightly season with salt and pepper. 2. Pouring the Soup Mixture: Spread the beef and vegetable mix over the first potato layer. Then pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top. 3. Baking Instructions: Add the remaining potato slices as the next layer, season with salt and pepper, and pour the rest of the soup mixture over them. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, add the rest of the cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the potatoes tender. How to Prevent Sticking To stop your casserole from sticking, use a greased baking dish. I recommend using a bit of butter or cooking spray. Make sure to grease the bottom and sides well. This simple step helps your casserole come out easily. Ensuring Even Cooking Cut your potatoes thinly and uniformly. This way, they cook at the same rate. Layer them evenly in the dish, too. Stir the beef and vegetable mix often while cooking. This helps all flavors blend well. Alternative Seasonings If you want to change the flavor, try different seasonings. Italian herbs like oregano and basil work well. You can also use chili powder for a little kick. Experiment with what you have on hand! Cheese Variations Cheddar cheese is great, but don’t stop there! Try adding Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture. You can even mix multiple cheeses for a richer taste. Just sprinkle them on top before the final baking stage. Best Side Dishes This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with light dressing can balance the flavors. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a heartier meal. Presentation Ideas Serve the casserole in individual bowls for a homey touch. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. This small detail makes it look fancy without much effort! {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Ground turkey is a great choice. It is lean and has a mild taste. This change makes the casserole lighter but just as tasty. You can use the same amount as ground beef. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely. Instead, add more veggies to fill the dish. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. These ingredients bring flavor and texture without meat. Seasonal vegetables can enhance your casserole. In spring, use fresh asparagus or peas. In the fall, add sweet potatoes or squash. These swaps can bring new flavors and colors to your dish. You can also swap ingredients based on what you have. If you don't have mixed veggies, use broccoli, green beans, or corn. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking. If you want to try different creamy bases, there are options. You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. These will change the flavor but keep the dish creamy. For a homemade creamy mixture, blend sour cream with milk and a bit of flour. This gives you a nice base that you can control. You can adjust the taste to your liking, making it more unique. - How to Store Leftover Casserole After enjoying your Hobo Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, let it cool. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. - Best Practices for Reheating To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warm. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. - Freezing Unbaked Casserole To freeze an unbaked casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. - Freezing Baked Casserole If you have leftovers from a baked casserole, let it cool first. Then, slice it into portions. Place each portion in a freezer-safe container. This makes it easy to grab a meal later. You can freeze it for up to 3 months too. - How Long It Lasts in the Fridge Your leftover casserole can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure it stays covered to keep it fresh. - Freezer Storage Time In the freezer, your casserole can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date, so you know when to use it. How can I make it spicier? To add spice, you can mix in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use spicy sausage instead of ground beef. Another idea is to add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. These options will give your casserole a nice kick! Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just chop them up and sauté them with the beef and onions. Fresh veggies may need a bit more time to cook, so add them early in the process. This will keep the flavors bright and fresh. Can I halve the recipe? Absolutely! To halve the recipe, just use half the amount of each ingredient. This works well if you want to make a smaller dish. Adjust your baking time, as a smaller casserole may cook faster. How to cook for larger gatherings? To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish to fit all the ingredients. You may need to increase the baking time, so check for doneness. This dish is great for feeding a crowd! Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, layer all the ingredients as you would in the oven. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method makes the casserole very tender and flavorful. How to modify for oven-free cooking? If you don’t have an oven, you can use a stovetop method. Cook the beef and veggies in a large skillet. Layer the potatoes in the skillet, add the soup mixture, and cover. Cook on low heat until the potatoes are soft, about 30-40 minutes. This article covered all you need to know for a great casserole. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared variations to fit your diet and guide on storing leftovers. With these insights, you can feel confident when making this dish. Remember, cooking is fun, so make it your own and enjoy!

Hobo Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Whip up a hearty Hobo Ground Beef & Potato Casserole that will become a family favorite! This easy-to-follow recipe features layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, mixed veggies, and gooey cheddar cheese, all smothered in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's both comforting and delicious. Click to explore the full recipe and make dinner a breeze!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (10.5 oz or 300g) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to drain any excess fat from the skillet.

      Add vegetables and seasonings: Add the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to thaw and begin to cook.

        Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until smooth and well combined.

          Layer the potatoes: Use a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

            Add the beef mixture: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the first layer of potatoes.

              Add soup and cheese: Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.

                Layer the remaining potatoes: Add the remaining sliced potatoes as another layer on top. Season this layer with a little more salt and pepper, and then pour the rest of the creamy soup mixture over it.

                  Bake covered: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.

                    Add cheese and bake uncovered: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

                      Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm in individual bowls or on plates, and consider adding a side salad for a fresh contrast.