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To make Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound of ground beef - 1 cup green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup onion, chopped - 2 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well) - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want to switch things up, try these swaps: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish. - Swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter taste. - Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce. - Add black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how: - Look for ground beef that is bright red with minimal fat. - Select firm, unblemished potatoes free of sprouts. - Pick bell peppers that are shiny and feel heavy in your hand. - Choose onions that are dry and firm, avoiding any soft spots. - If using corn, pick frozen for better taste and texture than canned. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps the casserole cook evenly. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart into small pieces with a spatula. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until it turns brown. If you see excess fat, drain it from the skillet. This keeps your meal lean and tasty. After the beef is browned, toss in 1 cup of diced green bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped onion. Sauté these for around 5 minutes. This softens the veggies and brings out their smell. Next, mix in 2 cups of diced potatoes, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well until all the ingredients blend together nicely. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in while baking. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. After that, take off the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven without the foil. Bake it for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The potatoes should be soft when poked with a fork. Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish it with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. To cook your Hobo Ground Beef Casserole evenly, follow these tips: - Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate. - Sauté the ground beef fully before adding other ingredients. Browned meat adds flavor. - Mix the ingredients well in the baking dish. This helps distribute heat evenly. Enhance the taste of your casserole with these ideas: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth. Spice can elevate the dish. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add depth to the flavor. - Consider adding a splash of hot sauce for some zing. It can really wake up the dish. Make your casserole look as good as it tastes: - Serve in individual bowls for a cozy touch. It feels special and inviting. - Garnish with extra parsley for a bright pop of color. Fresh herbs always enhance dishes. - Pair with a light salad or crusty bread. These sides create a balanced meal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Using Yukon gold or red potatoes will yield a creamier texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the casserole. Brown the Beef Properly: Ensure the ground beef is well browned to develop a rich flavor base for your casserole. Layering Ingredients: For even cooking, layer the ingredients in your baking dish, ensuring that potatoes are spread evenly throughout. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free dish, there are great options. You can replace the ground beef with lentils or black beans. Both add protein and flavor. Using a mix of mushrooms can also add a nice meaty texture. Just sauté them well, so they release their moisture. You can also use tofu; just press it to remove excess water before cooking. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. Carrots, peas, or zucchini are perfect additions. You can also swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or even butternut squash. If you like more protein, try adding cooked chicken or turkey. These swaps keep the dish exciting and fun. Toppings can make your casserole shine. Instead of just cheese, try adding crushed tortilla chips. This gives a nice crunch on top. You can also add crispy fried onions for extra flavor. For a fresh kick, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh herbs before serving. These small touches make a big difference in taste and presentation. After enjoying your hobo ground beef casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Let the casserole cool down to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly to prevent air from entering. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing the hobo casserole is a great way to save meals for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your hobo casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's hot all the way through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals. Just make sure to cover them to avoid drying out. Yes, you can use other meats! Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also try sausage for a spicy kick. Just remember to cook them until browned. Each meat will add its own flavor to the casserole, making it unique. If you don’t want to use cream of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken soup. It has a similar texture and taste. You can also make your own by mixing heavy cream with sautéed mushrooms. This option is fresh and free from preservatives. Every oven heats a bit differently. If your oven runs hot, reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes. If it runs cool, add a few extra minutes. Always check the potatoes with a fork to see if they are tender. This will help you get the perfect bake every time. You learned about the ingredients needed for a tasty hobo casserole. I shared tips to select fresh items and tricks to make cooking easier. You can even try cool variations, like vegetarian options or creative toppings. Lastly, proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh and tasty. Keep these ideas in mind as you prepare your dish. Enjoy making and sharing your hobo casserole with others!

Rustic Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, vegetables, and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's ready for baking.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until fully browned, stirring occasionally. If any excess fat accumulates, drain it from the skillet.
  • Once the beef is cooked, add in the diced green bell pepper and chopped onion. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  • Incorporate the diced potatoes, corn, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Transfer the hearty mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to start softening.
  • After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to set. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls, garnished with extra parsley. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef