Description
Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a savory, easy-to-make one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese into a comforting and satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this casserole offers rich flavors, balanced nutrition, and budget-friendly ingredients, making it a household favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean to medium-fat ground beef
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced canned tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the potatoes, chop the onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic carefully. These fresh ingredients provide the foundation for the casserole’s hearty texture and vibrant flavor.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking and no clumps remain.
- Sauté Vegetables with Meat: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients and Season: Stir in the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure balanced seasoning throughout.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use medium-fat ground beef to keep the casserole juicy without excess grease.
- Pre-sautéing the meat and vegetables deepens the dish’s flavor.
- Cut potatoes evenly for uniform cooking and texture.
- Add cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a perfectly melted crust.
- Let the casserole rest slightly before serving to let flavors meld and to make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, one-pot meal, comfort food, baked casserole, family dinner, budget-friendly recipe