Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef: Easy Dinner (Print Version)

Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, one-pan meal. My easy recipe combines beef, potatoes, and veggies for a satisfying, simple dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 55 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Lover

# Ingredients:

→ Casserole Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

→ Flavor Builders

08 - 1 ½ cups beef broth
09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste

→ Dairy & Toppings

12 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

→ Pantry Staples

14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest skillet – one that can go into the oven, ideally. Heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, getting some lovely caramelization. This is where the magic starts, honestly! Once it's mostly browned, drain off any excess fat (I usually just tilt the pan and scoop it out with a spoon, trying not to make a huge mess on the counter). Then, throw in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften and get fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell, it's just amazing!
02 - Now, let's get those flavors layered in for our Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!), beef broth, and that little splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor right there! Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, just to let those flavors meld together. It'll start smelling so good, you'll want to dive in already, but resist!
03 - Time for the good stuff! Gently fold in your frozen mixed vegetables. Then, carefully arrange your sliced potatoes over the top of the beef and veggie mixture. I try to make a nice, even layer – it makes for a prettier presentation, but honestly, if they're a bit messy, it'll still taste fantastic. This is where I sometimes forget to make sure the potatoes are evenly distributed, leading to some parts being a little less cooked, so take your time here, friend!
04 - Cover your skillet tightly with foil. This is crucial for steaming those potatoes to tender perfection. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You'll hear it bubbling, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine. Don't peek too much; let that steam do its work! I once pulled the foil off too early, and the potatoes were still a bit firm – lesson learned!
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the foil. Now for the best part, in my opinion! Sprinkle that glorious freshly grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to get a little golden brown around the edges. Oh, that golden crust, it's just *chef's kiss*! Keep an eye on it so it doesn't get too dark.
06 - Alright, the hard part is over! Carefully take the skillet out of the oven – it’s hot, so use those oven mitts! Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop out. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy, or just dig right in! It should look bubbly, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Enjoy your delicious creation!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your skillet when browning the beef! It steams instead of browns, and you lose that deep flavor. Work in batches if you need to, trust me on this.
02 - Forgetting to drain the fat from the ground beef makes the casserole greasy. Always drain it after browning for a cleaner, tastier dish.
03 - Use good quality beef broth. It really elevates the overall flavor of the Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. Cheap broth can make it taste watery, and nobody wants that!
04 - Don't skip the resting time after baking! It lets the casserole set, preventing it from falling apart when you serve it. Patience is a virtue here, friend.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or similar)
02 - Cutting board
03 - Sharp knife
04 - Measuring cups and spoons
05 - Oven mitts

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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