Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This Hobo Casserole is a savory, hearty, and incredibly simple dish that brings classic flavors to your dinner table. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal, combining ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked in one pan. Get ready to enjoy a fuss-free, delicious dinner that will quickly become a favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole
You’ll quickly understand why this cozy casserole earns a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s designed to make weeknight cooking simpler and more enjoyable.
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
- It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank, making it budget-friendly.
- The recipe is customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences.
- You’ll likely find most common pantry ingredients already in your kitchen.
- Enjoy minimal cleanup since everything bakes beautifully in just one dish.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your savory Hobo Casserole:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups diced russet potatoes (about 3 russet potatoes)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
- For the ground beef, lean options reduce grease, but regular ground beef works too; just drain excess fat.
- Fresh minced garlic offers robust flavor, but jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute. Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, colby, or a Mexican blend for a different twist.
- If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for creaminess and tang. Peeling potatoes is optional; the skin adds nutrients and texture.
- You can dice carrots for hearty chunks, shred them for faster cooking, or omit them entirely if preferred.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy Hobo Casserole.
- Large sauté pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Instructions To Make The Best Hobo Casserole
Creating this delicious Hobo Casserole is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large sauté pan, add the 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the juices run clear.
- Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked beef mixture. Stir continuously for 1 minute to coat the meat and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Then, add the 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of sour cream until everything is fully combined and melted into a creamy sauce.
- Transfer the entire meat mixture from the sauté pan into your 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add 3 cups of diced russet potatoes and 1 cup of diced carrots directly into the baking dish with the meat mixture. Stir everything together until the vegetables are well coated and distributed throughout the casserole.
- Evenly top the casserole with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the vegetables cook properly.
- Bake the Hobo Casserole on the middle rack of your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Cook until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Oven times can vary, so always check for doneness rather than relying solely on the clock.
- If the potatoes are not tender, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
- Before serving, optionally sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dried parsley on top for a fresh garnish. Enjoy your hearty, homemade meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- For the perfect Hobo Casserole, ensure your potatoes and carrots are truly fork-tender before removing the dish from the oven. This guarantees a creamy, soft texture.
- Always taste the meat mixture before combining it with the vegetables and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed for your preference.
- To prevent a dry casserole, avoid overcooking; the internal temperature should be just right. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
- Finally, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This comforting Hobo Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
When storing leftovers, ensure they are properly cooled and placed in airtight containers. Cooked ground beef dishes like this casserole can be safely refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, according to Capital Farms. Learn more about safe storage of cooked ground beef.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor Variations:
- Add different vegetables like diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or canned green beans (drained) for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Incorporate other meats such as crispy bacon bits, cooked sausage, or even shredded chicken for a twist.
- Experiment with various cheese types like Gruyère, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- For a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños in the meat mixture.
Nutrition Information
This easy Hobo Casserole provides a wholesome meal for your family. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 504 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Sodium | 808 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparations listed. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire Hobo Casserole a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold, or let it come to room temperature first.
Is this Hobo Casserole overly garlicky or onion flavored?
No, the flavors are well-balanced and layered, not overly strong. If you prefer less intensity, you can omit the dried minced onion flakes.
What else can I add to this casserole?
Bell peppers, mushrooms, green beans, or even some cooked bacon are all fantastic additions. Feel free to get creative and customize your dish!
Conclusion
This Hobo Casserole is truly a game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with hearty flavors, and delivers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. We hope you enjoy bringing this ultimate comfort food to your table. Give this recipe a try tonight and share your experience with us!
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large sauté pan, cook ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir for 1 minute.
- Add beef broth, minced onion flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and combined.
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add diced potatoes and carrots. Mix well.
- Top evenly with remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender.
- Optionally, garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Lean beef preferred to reduce grease.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream.
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