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Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole is a warm, comforting one-pan dish packed with ground beef, veggies, diced potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, topped with melted cheese. This hearty casserole is quick to prepare and bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s versatile, nutritious, and offers minimal cleanup while delivering a satisfying meal with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)

Pantry

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/3 cup water or broth
  • Salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Combine the base: Add frozen mixed vegetables and diced potatoes to the skillet with the meat. Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup along with a splash of water or broth to help everything meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top to create a golden, gooey crust when baked.
  4. Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onion to elevate the overall flavor beyond just canned soup.
  • Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Add a bit of broth or water to ensure potatoes cook evenly and to keep the dish moist.
  • Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied taste and melting qualities.
  • Cover the casserole with foil initially to prevent the top from browning too fast; remove halfway through baking for a nicely browned crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: hobo casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, one-pan meal, ground beef casserole, weeknight dinner, hearty casserole, creamy casserole