Why Make This Recipe
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and one-pan cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and mixed vegetables provides a filling meal for the whole family. Plus, it requires simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks and drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, and canned diced tomatoes (including the juice). Pour in the beef broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve the Hobo Casserole warm.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole is delightful when served straight from the skillet. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad. Coleslaw or garlic bread complements the casserole nicely as well. If you want a bit of zest, feel free to squeeze some lemon or add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
How to Store Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
After preparing the casserole, you might have some leftovers. To store it properly, let it cool down to room temperature. Place the casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container and it can last for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Use Fresh Vegetables: You can use fresh mixed vegetables or frozen ones based on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for fresh ones.
- Add More Flavor: For more flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Adjust Cooking Times: Keep an eye on the potatoes. Depending on their size and how finely they are diced, they might cook a little faster or slower. Ensure they are fork-tender before serving.
- Make it Ahead of Time: If you want to prepare it ahead, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it uncooked in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
- Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This will give the casserole a lighter flavor.
Variation
You can personalize Hobo Casserole by adding different proteins and vegetables. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Chili Hobo Casserole: Add a can of kidney beans or black beans to make it heartier and give it a chili flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and use lentils or chickpeas along with the vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking to create a gooey topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, pork, or even sausage for added flavor.How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, you can add more vegetables and reduce the amount of oil used for cooking. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to cut down on salt intake.What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?
Hobo Casserole is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh green salad, cornbread, or crusty bread for a complete meal.Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.What vegetables work best in this recipe?
You can use any mixture of vegetables you prefer. Good options include carrots, green beans, corn, or even zucchini. Just remember to chop them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Hobo Casserole is a wholesome and flexible dish that can be tailored to fit your family’s tastes. With its satisfying flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite dinner option on your weekly meal plan. Enjoy!
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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, potatoes, and mixed vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks and drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, and canned diced tomatoes (including juice). Pour in the beef broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider spices like cumin or chili powder, and sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg