– **Title**: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
– 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained (or 2 cups fresh or frozen)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix until everything is well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this casserole. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work just as well. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of your favorite beans.
Onion: A medium onion adds great flavor here. If you’re short on onions, shallots or green onions can be a tasty substitute. I sometimes even use a sprinkle of onion powder when I’m in a pinch!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for its strong taste; however, garlic powder can be used in smaller amounts if you’re out of fresh. Personally, I love using roasted garlic to enhance the flavor!
Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for their creamy texture. You could substitute sweet potatoes for a healthier option, but keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly.
Green Beans: Canned green beans are convenient, but fresh or frozen green beans can elevate the dish. For a twist, throw in some corn or peas!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re avoiding canned soups, you can make a quick homemade version with sautéed mushrooms, milk, and a bit of flour for thickness. Cream of chicken soup is also a good alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor, but Monterey Jack or a cheese blend will also work. For a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cheese.
What’s the Best Way to Layer a Casserole?
Layering your casserole might seem simple, but it plays a big role in achieving even cooking and great flavor. Start with the potatoes as they take the longest to cook.
- Lay half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of your dish. This creates a nice base.
- Next, add the cooked ground beef mixture and then the green beans. Layering these gives texture and separates flavors nicely.
- Spread the cream of mushroom soup next. It keeps everything moist as it bakes.
- Finish with the remaining sliced potatoes. They should be on top to roast nicely and crisp up during baking.
Make sure to cover your casserole with foil at first. This helps it cook through without drying out, and remember to remove the foil to let the cheese get bubbly and golden at the end!
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained (or 2 cups fresh green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking beef)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Hobo Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-55 minutes of cooking time. So, all in all, you should set aside about 1 hour for preparation and baking—perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out deliciously warm.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté it until it is translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook everything until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Make sure to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Layer the Casserole:
Grab a large casserole dish and start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom. Next, add the cooked beef mixture on top of the potatoes, followed by the drained green beans. Now, spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the green beans. Finally, layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top, and if you like, sprinkle a little more salt and pepper for extra flavor.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is done baking, let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to settle. Just before you serve, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Now you can enjoy this delicious, comforting meal with your family!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the green beans for other veggies like corn, peas, or carrots. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available—just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before adding to prevent a watery casserole.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade cream sauce. To make a simple sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, then gradually add 1 cup of milk to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover hobo casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or transfer it back to the oven until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or water before reheating.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Just complete all the steps up to covering with foil and baking. Store it in the refrigerator, then bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to check that it’s heated all the way through before serving!
