The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This Hobo Casserole is a one-pan wonder made with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, all baked together in a savory, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and thyme. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked ground beef mixture, peas, and sliced potatoes to the bowl. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread it out evenly, making sure the potatoes are well distributed.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return the casserole to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For Extra Crispiness: To get crispy edges, broil the casserole for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Lighter: Use lean ground beef or turkey, and opt for reduced-fat sour cream and soup to lighten the dish.
- For a Flavor Boost: Sprinkle some paprika or garlic powder on top before baking for extra seasoning.
This hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole is perfect for feeding your family or for meal prep—simple, filling, and delicious!