Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cups shredded cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the comforting goodness of Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes, a hearty one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe combines tender ground beef, savory potatoes, and your favorite vegetables, all baked together in a delicious, cheesy layer. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the ultimate family-friendly dish that warms both the stomach and soul.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-18T10:41:20.492Z

This Hobo Casserole recipe has been a family favorite for generations, bringing warmth and comfort on chilly evenings.

Comforting Family Meal

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is more than just a meal; it's a comforting hug on a plate. This one-pot wonder is designed to bring families together around the dinner table, providing a hearty option that satisfies hungry stomachs. With its effortless assembly and delicious flavors, many families choose this recipe as a regular feature in their weekly meal planning.

Each bite of this casserole is filled with layers of flavor, from the savory ground beef to the tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables. This dish not only provides the nourishment you need but also evokes nostalgia and warmth as it fills the room with mouthwatering aromas while it bakes.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the greatest advantages of Hobo Casserole is its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your family's preferences or to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. For instance, adding bell peppers, corn, or green beans can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of this dish. You could even swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a different twist.

Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily double the ingredients and prepare a larger batch to enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just pop leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerate, and reheat when you're ready to indulge in this comforting meal again.

Easy Preparation for Busy Nights

On hectic weeknights, finding the time to prepare a nutritious meal can be challenging. This Hobo Casserole recipe comes to the rescue with a simple approach that requires minimal prep and cleanup. With just one dish needed for baking, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the dinner table conversation.

The straightforward cooking process allows even novice cooks to whip up this dish with confidence. With just a skillet for browning the beef and a baking dish for cooking, you can have this wholesome meal ready to serve in no time, making it an excellent choice for families on the go.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients well before placing in the oven.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with potatoes, carrots, peas, and seasoning.

Bake

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why Use Ground Beef?

Ground beef is one of the most popular meats used in home cooking, and for good reason. It's affordable, widely available, and packed with protein, making it an ideal choice for heartier meals like casseroles. In Hobo Casserole, ground beef melds wonderfully with the other ingredients, providing rich flavors and a satisfying texture that complements the potatoes and vegetables.

Additionally, ground meat cooks quickly, ensuring that your meal is ready in a timely manner without compromising on nutrition. You can also opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content while still achieving that savory taste.

Tips for Perfect Potatoes

Potatoes are the star ingredient in this Hobo Casserole, so getting them right is key. To ensure they cook evenly, make sure to dice your potatoes into uniform chunks. The size of the pieces affects cooking time, and smaller pieces will yield a softer texture that blends deliciously with the dish.

For added flavor, consider parboiling the diced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This technique reduces the baking time while ensuring that your potatoes are fluffy and tender once the casserole is done.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers from your Hobo Casserole is quite simple. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping ahead of time.

Reheating can be done in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. If reheating the whole casserole in the oven, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will take about 15-20 minutes. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of your Hobo Casserole even after the first serving!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

You can skip the meat and add more vegetables or beans for protein.