One-Pan Hobo Casserole: Hearty & Cheesy Comfort Food! 🍲🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a delicious, hearty dinner that requires minimal cleanup, then the Hobo Casserole recipe is perfect for you. This rustic comfort food combines ground beef, potatoes, and savory vegetables into a single, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just looking for an easy-to-make meal, this Ground Beef and Potato Bake offers all the warm, cheesy goodness you need. Plus, with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a comforting homemade dinner on the table in no time!
2. Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Rustic Comfort Food
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes thinly. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This preparation sets the stage for a smooth cooking process.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or oven-proof pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Layer the Potatoes and Beef
Spread the sliced potatoes evenly over the cooked beef mixture. Pour the beef broth over the top, ensuring the potatoes are partially submerged. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake the Casserole
Transfer the skillet or pan to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Add Cheese and Finish
Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
4. Storage Tips for Your Hearty & Cheesy Comfort Food
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place your microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
5. Serving Suggestions for this Hearty Dish
This rustic comfort food pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. You might also want to try our easy cheesy ground beef and potato casserole for a similar flavorful experience.
6. FAQs About the Hobo Casserole Recipe
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the casserole, then store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it the next day for a quick and delicious dinner.
Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, both are healthy alternatives and work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Including prep and cooking, it takes approximately 1 hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as your beef broth and other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
To streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience, consider using these essential kitchen tools:
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for slicing potatoes evenly, making prep a breeze. It ensures your potatoes are uniform for perfect baking results.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Offers reliable nonstick performance and durability, ideal for the skillet you’ll use for browning the beef.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – If you want to convert this recipe into a slow-cooker version, this tool will help you cook it slowly for extra tenderness.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Useful for preparing other dishes or even mixing ingredients for added meal versatility.
8. Additional Recipes to Enhance Your Cooking Experience
Looking for more hearty and cheesy comfort food? Check out these related recipes:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
9. Conclusion
The Hobo Casserole recipe is a rustic, hearty dish that combines simplicity with satisfying flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal, this ground beef and potato bake can be customized with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. With the right tools and ingredients, you’ll master this delicious comfort food in no time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a warm, cheesy plate of this rustic delight!
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One-Pan Hobo Casserole: Hearty & Cheesy Comfort Food!
Discover the hearty and cheesy One-Pan Hobo Casserole, a rustic comfort food perfect for busy weeknights. This easy ground beef and potato bake combines savory flavors, melty cheddar cheese, and simple ingredients, making it an ideal family dinner or meal prep option. Satisfy your craving for a warm, wholesome, and minimal-cleanup dish with this delicious recipe.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet or oven-proof pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic during the last few minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spread the sliced potatoes evenly over the cooked beef mixture. Pour the beef broth over the potatoes, ensuring they’re partially submerged. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Notes
- Allow the casserole to cool before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Skilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Oven-Baked, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg