Hobo casserole might sound like something only campers eat but its actually one of those meals thats been around forever because its cheap and filling. Back in the Great Depression people hopping trains needed food that was easy to make, so they tossed ground beef, potatoes and whatever veggies they had into a pan and cooked it over a fire. Today its still the same idea: simple stuff mixed together for a hot meal.
This dish is great cause you can switch things up if you want. Maybe you hate bell peppers or you found a leftover can of beans in the pantry, just throw them in. You dont need fancy spices or lots of time, you just layer your ingredients and bake. And every family has its own reciepe, some add cheese on top, some use tomato sauce or cream of mushroom soup, it all works.
With busy schedules and homework piling up its nice to have a go-to dinner thats almost foolproof. Hobo casserole takes less than an hour from start to finish and you only dirty one dish. Even if youre not a great cook you cant really mess this up. So grab some ground beef, slice some potatoes, and start layering—dinner is served.
What is Hobo Casserole?
Hobo casserole is basically a one-dish meal that grew out of hard times in America. During the Depression folks called hobos jumped trains and camped out, so they needed food that was cheap, easy, and filling. Theyd stack meat, potatoes and veggies in a pan or tin foil packet and cook it over coals or a campfire.
The name comes from the hobo culture which was all about making do with what you had. Its comfort food at its simplest. You don't need a ton of ingredients, just the basics: ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, maybe peppers. Thats it.
Ingredients Commonly Used
Here’s a list of what you normally find in hobo casserole:
- Ground Beef: The main protein, gives it a hearty taste.
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced or chopped, they soak up all the juices.
- Onions: Chopped onions add a sweet flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Optional, but they add color and taste.
- Corn: Canned or frozen, for extra sweetness and texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top for a gooey finish.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts like glue, keeps everything moist.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out flavors.
- Optional Spices: Garlic powder, paprika or italian herbs if you want more kick.
Why this Recipe is Easy and Accessible
One big reason hobo casserole is so popular is cause you probably already got all the stuff in your fridge or pantry. Ground beef, potatoes, onions and a can of soup isnt high end groceries. Plus it only takes about 45 minutes or so total, and half that time is in the oven.
Another cool thing is you can make it fit your needs. Need gluten free? Just grab a gluten free soup and youre good. Want low carb? Skip the potatoes and load up on extra veggies. Its that flexible.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole
Get these items together before you start:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Potatoes: 3 medium, thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, chopped
- Corn: 1 can (15 oz) or 1 cup frozen
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Salt & Pepper: to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika or dried italian herbs
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 aluminum foil optional
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz, undrained.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz.
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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