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How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef


  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A hearty one-dish casserole featuring tender potatoes, savory green beans, juicy ground beef, and a rich tomato-beef broth, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. This budget-friendly, family-friendly meal comes together in under an hour and is perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well)
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Wash and dice potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. Trim green beans and cut into 1-inch pieces. Chop onion and mince garlic.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook until it begins to brown, breaking it up with a spatula.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, continuing to cook until beef is fully browned and onions are soft and translucent. Drain excess fat.
  5. Spread diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  6. Layer green beans over the potatoes, then spread the browned beef mixture on top.
  7. Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with liquid) evenly over the layers.
  8. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  9. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  10. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cut potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • For a crunchier topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or French fried onions over the cheese before baking.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to prevent excess grease.
  • This recipe can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • For a slow cooker version, brown meat and aromatics first, then layer in slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, one-dish meal, budget-friendly dinner, comfort food, potato casserole, family dinner