Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe – A comforting, no-fuss dinner for busy weeknights. My family’s favorite, easy to throw together with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- Flavor Boosters:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional Extras:
- Dash of hot sauce (for subtle warmth)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef, Hon:: First things first, get your big skillet or Dutch oven hot over medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to get a really good brown on it, letting it sizzle and crisp up a bit. This is where the magic starts, creating so much flavor. I always drain the excess fat after this step; sometimes I forget and the casserole ends up a bit greasy, oops!
- Aromatics in the Mix:: Once your beef is beautifully browned, drain off any extra grease if you didn’t already. Now, add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir them around, letting them soften and get fragrant. Oh, that smell! It always makes my kitchen feel like the warmest place on earth. Cook them until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let the garlic burn; I’ve done that, and it’s not a flavor you want.
- Spices and Veggies Join the Party:: Time to stir in your dried thyme and paprika, letting them bloom for a minute with the beef and onions. Then, toss in those diced potatoes, green beans, and corn. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors start to mingle. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, veggies flying everywhere, but it’s all part of the fun, right?
- Sauce It Up:: Pour in your canned diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!), beef broth, and a good splash of Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook. This is where the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe really starts to transform into something special.
- Simmer and Soften:: Let that beautiful mixture simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until your potatoes are tender. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That’s pure comfort, I tell ya. Taste it and adjust your salt and pepper. I usually add a bit more pepper at this stage; it just feels right.
- Cheese Please! And Bake:: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid. Now for the best part: sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop the whole thing into a preheated oven (375°F or 190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully melted. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving; it helps everything set up.