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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare with simple everyday ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Its versatile nature allows customization with veggies, spices, or alternative proteins, making it a crowd-pleaser that satisfies hunger and comfort cravings alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or soup base

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Your favorite herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano), to taste

Optional Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop the onions finely, slice or dice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking, and have your ground beef ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Add any optional vegetables if desired. Top with the remaining potatoes, then pour the tomato sauce or soup base evenly over the layers to provide moisture.
  4. Season and Add Cheese: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs evenly across the casserole. Finish by spreading a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, gooey crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Notes

  • Use thin potato slices to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
  • Drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent greasiness.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for clean slicing and settled layers.
  • Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a tangy flavor that complements the beef.
  • For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, family meal, hearty casserole, comfort food