Insanely Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe!

Insanely Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a hearty, no-fuss comfort food that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The recipe combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese into one easy-to-make casserole. The best part? It’s practically a “set it and forget it” kind of dish that requires minimal prep and cooking effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer leaner)

• 4-5 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)

• 1 can (15 oz) of mixed vegetables (or use frozen vegetables)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup, if preferred)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)

• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing the casserole dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. Season with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes (about 1/2 inch). You don’t have to be super precise—this dish is pretty forgiving!

4. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, can of mixed vegetables (drained), and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together. If you like a bit more flavor, feel free to add some garlic powder or extra seasoning at this point.

5. Layer in the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter (or cooking spray) to prevent sticking. Then pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is lightly golden.

7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread if you want to bulk up the meal!

Q&A:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point where it’s ready to go into the oven. Just cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, bake it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any veggies you like, such as corn, peas, carrots, or green beans. You could also use fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can substitute it with any cream-based soup, like cream of chicken or even cream of celery. If you’re avoiding canned soups, try using a homemade white sauce (but that will take a little extra time).

Q: Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can skip the ground beef and use a plant-based protein or extra vegetables. Consider adding lentils or black beans for some heartiness, and use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese to make it fully vegetarian.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly different flavor, but they’ll work great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since sweet potatoes may soften a little faster.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven (cover with foil if using the oven to prevent it from drying out).

Tips for Success:

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the casserole with foil for the first 45 minutes helps steam the potatoes and cook them evenly. Removing the foil towards the end allows the cheese to melt beautifully.

• Add herbs for extra flavor: Try adding some dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the casserole for extra flavor.

• Customization: The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly customizable. Don’t be afraid to throw in some extras like cooked bacon, sausage, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick!