Description: A comforting and easy-to-make casserole filled with ground meat, tender vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 2 cups carrots, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (2% or whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a mix)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier. A glass or ceramic dish works well.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat (beef or turkey) with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. The onion should be translucent and softened. Draining excess grease is essential to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a spoon or carefully tilt the skillet to drain the grease into a heat-safe container.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, sliced potatoes, carrots, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Ensure the potatoes and carrots are thinly sliced to ensure even cooking. The canned green beans add convenience, but you could substitute fresh green beans, blanched until tender-crisp. The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and flavor. You can experiment with other cream-based soups, such as cream of celery or cream of chicken. The milk helps to thin the soup and create a saucy consistency. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Italian seasoning adds a classic savory flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning as the vegetables will absorb some of it. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This ensures even cooking and distribution of ingredients. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Covering the dish with foil helps to trap moisture and steam the vegetables, ensuring they cook through evenly.
Step 5: Bake the covered dish for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) evenly on top. Removing the foil allows the cheese to melt and become bubbly. The cheese adds richness and a flavorful topping. You can use a single type of cheese or a blend for a more complex flavor profile.
Step 6: Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the vegetables are tender. The vegetables should be easily pierced with a fork. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Hobo Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. It’s a one-dish wonder, meaning less cleanup afterward – a huge bonus for busy weeknights. The casserole is also extremely versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your refrigerator. The combination of tender ground meat, soft vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s also a very budget-friendly meal, making it a great option for feeding a family on a tight budget. Finally, it’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table. The creamy, cheesy topping is irresistible. It’s a complete meal in one dish, providing protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Leftovers taste great, making it perfect for lunch the next day. It is simple enough for beginner cooks, yet satisfying for experienced chefs. You can prepare it in advance and bake it later. It’s a great potluck dish and a classic recipe that has stood the test of time. This recipe is pure comfort food – it’s warm, satisfying, and nostalgic.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Hobo Casserole hot, straight from the oven. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy coolness that complements the richness of the casserole. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. A side of crusty bread or rolls is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for added nutrients. For a more complete meal, add a side of cornbread.
Tips:
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cut vegetables.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or peas.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- To prevent the potatoes from browning, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- If the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
1 hour
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, may vary depending on ingredients used)
Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion:
The Easy Hobo Casserole is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a simple, satisfying, and customizable dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion where you need a comforting and easy-to-make meal. With its hearty combination of ground meat, tender vegetables, and creamy, cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and fuss-free dinner.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen vegetables! Just make sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole. This will prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Q2: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole completely and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through properly.
Q3: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce thickened with a little cornstarch.
Q4: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed beans for extra protein.
Q5: How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (many brands offer this option) and ensure that the Italian seasoning you use is also gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
