Savory Ground Beef Hobo Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

The aroma of Ground Beef Hobo Casserole wafts through the air, instantly conjuring up warm memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. This dish, a delightful medley of flavors and textures, promises to envelop you in its savory embrace.

Imagine digging into layers of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy goodness that dance on your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this comfort food classic will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their delighted reactions inspired me to keep experimenting with similar recipes.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Onion: A medium onion adds a sweet depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
• Bell Peppers: Use assorted colors for visual appeal and a slight sweetness in the casserole.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes with herbs for an extra flavor kick.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: These save prep time and add color and nutrition; no chopping required!
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey layer everyone loves.
• Seasoning Mix: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika elevates the flavors perfectly.
• Potato Chips or Tater Tots: Crunchy toppings add texture—use them generously on top before baking!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients; chop the onion and bell peppers while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step makes cooking smoother.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften and become aromatic, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned thoroughly, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Canned Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in canned tomatoes along with your seasoning mix. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Mix in Frozen Vegetables: Gently fold in frozen mixed vegetables. Allow them to heat through for about 5 minutes before moving on to layering.

Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture followed by half of the shredded cheese. Top with potato chips or tater tots before adding another layer of beef and cheese.

Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will make your mouth water!

Enjoy serving this delightful Ground Beef Hobo Casserole hot from the oven; it’s sure to be an instant favorite! The combination of textures—from crunchy toppings to creamy cheese—is simply irresistible.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, then layer in the vegetables while cooking the sauce. This order ensures every ingredient gets its moment to shine and maximizes flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, or add cheese on top for an extra creamy finish. Customize to your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for best results.

The first time I made Ground Beef Hobo Casserole, my kids devoured it within minutes, declaring it “the best dinner ever.” Their enthusiasm reminded me that sometimes simple can be extraordinary!

FAQ

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as healthier alternatives.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Hobo Casserole?

Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for flavor.

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Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is a heartwarming dish that combines seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and gooey cheese, all topped with a crunchy layer of potato chips or tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe promises a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Gather your family around the table and enjoy the delightful aroma as it fills your kitchen!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors), chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups potato chips or tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and bell peppers in olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart; cook until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in canned tomatoes and seasoning mix; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Fold in frozen mixed vegetables; heat through for about 5 minutes.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture, half of the cheddar cheese, and top with potato chips or tater tots. Repeat layers.
7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg