Hobo Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal that brings together hearty ingredients, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering. With layers of savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. It’s a nostalgic recipe often associated with campfire cooking, but you can enjoy it straight from your oven at home.
Why Make This Hobo Casserole
This Hobo Casserole recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, featuring a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs. The ground beef offers a rich flavor, while the vegetables provide freshness and color to the dish. It’s also an economical meal that uses simple ingredients likely found in your pantry. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just mix everything together, place it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious dinner with minimal effort. Perfect for bringing the family together around the table, this casserole also makes great leftovers for lunches or future meals.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Making Hobo Casserole is straightforward and requires just a few steps. You’ll start by browning the ground beef with onion, which fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. After that, mix in the canned veggies and potatoes for a hearty base, then top it off with gooey melted cheese for that perfect finish. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility; you can adjust ingredients according to what you have on hand, making it versatile for any meal plan.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can green beans (drained)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In a large baking dish, combine the browned beef, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Hobo Casserole provides approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g
Note that calorie counts can vary based on exact ingredient measurements and specific brands used.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it’s hot and the cheese is gooey. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out your meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as an easy weeknight meal. For a touch of color, consider garnishing each portion with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. You can also freeze this casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight, bake as directed, and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preference; bell peppers or peas can also work well.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mix.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend.
Delicious Variations
- Mexican Hobo Casserole: Replace the diced tomatoes with salsa, and top with a blend of Mexican cheese for a fiesta twist.
- Italian Hobo Casserole: Add Italian seasoning, swap out green beans for zucchini, and use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
- Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: Omit the meat and add more beans and veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a meatless version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to cook them slightly in advance to ensure they soften properly during baking.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just check the labels on your canned products to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! To double the recipe, use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time as needed to ensure it is hot throughout.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s cost-effective, easy to prepare, and filled with flavors that can be tailored to your liking. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find it quickly becomes a favorite in your home as well! Don’t forget to let us know how it turns out; we love hearing about your cooking adventures!
Print
Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can green beans (drained)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In a large baking dish, combine the browned beef, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content or substitute with ground turkey. For vegetarian, omit meat and increase veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, beef, easy dinner, one-dish meal, family recipe
