Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe in One Dish
Hobo casserole, a beloved dish in many households, offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that has transcended generations. Originally conceived as a simple meal for those traveling by rail during the Great Depression, it found its roots in the hobo culture that thrived on resourcefulness and creativity. This straightforward one-dish meal typically combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, making it a staple for families looking to stretch their budgets without sacrificing flavor.
The popularity of hobo casserole lies in its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe adapts to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, spices, or even leftover ingredients, ensuring that each cook can make it their own. This adaptability, coupled with its simple preparation method, makes hobo casserole an ideal choice for busy households where time and convenience are priorities.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding meals that can be easily prepared, nourishable, and satisfying is essential. Hobo casserole checks all the boxes, offering a practical and delightful solution for weekday dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. With minimal cooking time and straightforward instructions, even inexperienced cooks can whip up this dish without hassle. Dive into the world of hobo casserole, where comfort food meets modern convenience!
What is Hobo Casserole?
Hobo casserole is a hearty one-dish meal that has its roots deeply embedded in American history. Originating during the Great Depression, it was designed to be a filling and economical dish for those traveling by rail. The name itself stems from the “hobo” culture, where resourcefulness and creativity prevailed due to limited resources. Campfire cooking techniques were often employed in preparing this dish, making it an essential meal for those on the move.
This casserole captures the essence of simplicity and comfort, often made when ingredients are scarce. It typically revolves around affordable staples like ground beef, potatoes, and an assortment of seasonal vegetables, allowing families to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Commonly Used
Hobo casserole showcases an assortment of ingredients that come together to create a nutritious and satisfying dish. Here are some common ingredients used:
- Ground Beef: The star protein, providing richness and flavor.
- Potatoes: Usually sliced, they form a substantial base.
- Onions: Chopped onions add depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers enhance the flavor and color.
- Corn: Canned or frozen, corn adds sweetness and texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkling of shredded cheese offers a deliciously gooey topping.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This ingredient binds the casserole together, adding moisture and creaminess.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavors.
- Optional Seasonings: Variations may include garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs for added taste.
Why this Recipe is Easy and Accessible
Hobo casserole stands out as an easy and accessible recipe, making it a favorite among busy families. One of the key reasons is the simplicity of its ingredients. Most of the components can usually be found in a typical kitchen pantry or refrigerator. Ground beef, potatoes, and basic vegetables are staples that many households already have on hand, allowing for quick meal preparation without a shopping trip.
The preparation and cooking times are noticeably short, typically taking less than an hour from start to finish. This quick turnaround makes it feasible for weeknight dinners when time is at a premium. Moreover, the one-dish nature of the casserole means less cleanup afterward, which is always a bonus for those with a busy lifestyle.
Another aspect of its accessibility is its incredible adaptability. The recipe can easily be modified to cater to various dietary requirements. For instance, it can be made gluten-free by ensuring the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or by substituting potatoes with more vegetables for a low-carb version. This flexibility means that everyone can enjoy hobo casserole, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create a delicious hobo casserole:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef, the hearty protein base for the casserole.
- Potatoes: 3 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced, providing a substantial foundation.
- Onions: 1 medium onion, chopped, adding depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, bringing brightness and taste.
- Corn: 1 can (15 oz) or 1 cup of frozen corn, enhancing sweetness and texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, offering a gooey and savory topping.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz), which acts as a moisture binder for the casserole.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning to taste, essential for highlighting flavors.
- Optional: Additional seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried Italian herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Easy
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 aluminum foil optional
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz, undrained.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz.
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
