Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: the ultimate comfort food thats as easy to make as it is satisfying! Imagine sinking your fork into layers of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply crave something hearty and delicious.

While the exact origins of Hobo Casserole are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its name evokes images of resourceful travelers creating a nourishing meal with whatever ingredients they could find. This spirit of simplicity and adaptability is what makes this dish so appealing. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a truly memorable meal.

People adore Hobo Casserole Ground Beef because it’s incredibly versatile and customizable. The combination of savory ground beef and readily available vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that appeals to almost everyone. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash! The creamy potatoes add a comforting texture, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a budget-friendly option, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get cooking and create a delicious Hobo Casserole that will become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce

Browning the Beef and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to brown our ground beef. This is the foundation of our Hobo Casserole, so let’s do it right.

Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula. We want to get it nice and crumbly.
Cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma of the garlic and onion cooking together is just heavenly, isn’t it?
Next, add the chopped green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the pepper is slightly softened. We want a little bit of bite left in the pepper, so don’t overcook it.

Combining the Ingredients

Alright, the beef and veggies are looking good! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create the heart of our Hobo Casserole.

Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans (rinsed and drained), and corn (drained) to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Pour in the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. This is what’s going to give our casserole that creamy, comforting texture. Stir it in well, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Add the chili powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. These spices will add a wonderful depth of flavor to our casserole. Stir them in thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious casserole. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to assemble our Hobo Casserole and bake it to golden perfection.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking our casserole evenly.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. We want a nice, cheesy crust!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

Serving and Enjoying Your Hobo Casserole

Congratulations! You’ve just made a delicious and comforting Hobo Casserole. Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth!
Serve the Hobo Casserole hot. You can serve it as is, or you can add some optional toppings to make it even more delicious.
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, and hot sauce. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and creamy touch, chopped green onions add a fresh and vibrant flavor, and a dash of hot sauce adds a little kick. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite toppings!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your Hobo Casserole to your liking:

Use different types of beans: Instead of kidney beans, you can use pinto beans, black beans, or even a mixture of different beans.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Use different types of meat: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the casserole for a little extra heat.
Add a layer of tater tots: For a fun and kid-friendly twist, add a layer of tater tots on top of the casserole before baking.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more beans and vegetables to make a vegetarian version of the casserole. You can also add a vegetarian meat substitute.
Use different types of cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use Monterey Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
Add a can of Rotel: For a little extra flavor and spice, add a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies to the casserole.
Make it in a slow cooker: You can also make this casserole in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add a cornbread topping: For a heartier casserole, top it with a layer of cornbread batter before baking. This will add a delicious and comforting touch.

Why This Recipe Works

This Hobo Casserole recipe is a winner for several reasons:

It’s easy to make: This recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s budget-friendly: The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, making this a great meal for those on a budget.
It’s customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your own tastes and preferences by adding or substituting ingredients.
It’s a crowd-pleaser: This casserole is always a hit with both kids and adults.
It’s a great way to use up leftovers: You can easily add leftover vegetables or meat to this casserole to create a new and delicious meal

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is truly a weeknight winner, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables lurking in your fridge, reducing food waste and creating a delicious, personalized dish every time.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, the one-dish nature of the casserole means fewer dishes to wash a definite bonus in my book!

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses over the top during the last few minutes of baking. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu. You could also add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions: I personally love serving this Hobo Casserole with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. And if you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they reheat beautifully, making it a great option for lunch the next day.

Variations to Explore: Think about adding a can of diced tomatoes (drained) for extra acidity and flavor. A layer of tater tots on top instead of potatoes creates a fun and crispy twist. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

I truly believe that this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a recipe that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s a reliable, comforting, and adaptable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious meal.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what you served it with, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy & Delicious One-Pan Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a creamy cheese topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time65 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 6-8 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce
Instructions
1. Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula.
2. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over (5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent (3-5 minutes).
5. Add the chopped green bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the pepper is slightly softened.
6. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans (rinsed and drained), and corn (drained) to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine.
7. Pour in the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
8. Add the chili powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
12. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
13. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
15. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
16. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, and hot sauce.
17. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Notes
- Use different types of beans (pinto, black, etc.).
- Add other vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes).
- Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for spice.
- Add a layer of tater tots on top before baking.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more beans and vegetables.
- Use different types of cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Mexican blend).
- Add a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Make it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Top with a layer of cornbread batter before baking.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy & Delicious One-Pan Recipe