Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies

Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make on busy nights? Look no further than this delicious Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole. Packed with flavorful ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup, this casserole is a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first discovered the magic of this Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole at a camping potluck as a child, and it has since become a nostalgic go-to recipe for me. The cheesy golden crust that forms on top of the casserole is irresistible, bringing back memories of family gatherings and laughter in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying the leftovers for days to come, this casserole is sure to warm both your heart and your belly.

With simple ingredients and easy prep, this Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole is perfect for any day of the week. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite veggies and cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, whip up a batch, gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy a taste of home-cooked comfort with this delightful casserole.

Quick Benefits

• Easy and Quick to Prepare: Simple assembly with everyday ingredients makes it a go-to dish for busy or chilly nights.
• Nostalgic Comfort Food: Reminiscent of family gatherings and childhood memories, bringing a smile to your family’s faces.
• Versatile and Customizable: Swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey or chicken, cream of mushroom for other soups, and fresh vegetables for frozen ones to suit your preferences.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, leftovers keep well for four days and can be portioned into freezer bags for future easy meals.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies Recipe

• Simple and Easy: Assemble this comforting casserole with everyday ingredients for a quick and hassle-free meal on chilly or busy nights.
• Nostalgic and Heartwarming: Reminiscent of family gatherings and childhood memories, this dish brings a smile to faces and evokes feelings of togetherness.
• Cheesy Golden Crust: Indulge in the delightful cheesy topping that forms a golden crust, creating a savory and satisfying dish loved by both kids and adults.
• Versatile and Customizable: Swap ingredients based on preference or what’s in your pantry – ground turkey/chicken, different soup varieties, or fresh veggies – making it adaptable to different tastes.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prepare in advance for convenience and freeze leftovers for future meals, ensuring you always have a delicious option on hand.
• Healthy Modifications: Opt for a lighter version by using ground turkey or chicken, while still enjoying a flavorful and fulfilling meal.
• Perfect for Potlucks and Weeknight Dinners: Whether serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
• Leftover Perfection: Store leftovers easily and reheat for a tasty meal, showcasing the convenience and deliciousness of this dish.

Ingredients for Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies

Main Ingredients

• 450 grams ground beef
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 120 grams shredded cheese
• Salt, to taste
• 300 grams frozen mixed vegetables
• 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 450 grams potatoes, diced

Pro Tips for Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies

Pro Tip #1: For a quicker prep, consider using pre-chopped fresh vegetables or a bag of fresh mixed veggies. Just ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Pro Tip #2: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a cheese blend to add variety and depth of flavor to your casserole. The melted cheese on top creates that irresistible golden crust everyone loves.

Pro Tip #3: To make mealtime even easier, assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead option for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without the fuss.

How to Make Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C.

Step 2: Cook Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Combine Casserole Mixture

Combine the cooked beef, onions, frozen mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, mixing well until evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble for Baking

Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly greased casserole dish.

Step 5: Initial Baking with Cover

Place aluminum foil over the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Bake

Uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Ground Beef and Veggie Hobo Casserole, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, or microwave individual servings until heated throughout. For longer storage, the cooled casserole can be portioned into freezer bags and frozen for future meals. Remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

For variations on the recipe, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery soup can be suitable substitutes. Fresh vegetables can also be used instead of frozen; just ensure they are chopped into small pieces for even cooking. Additionally, any melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used as a topping for a delicious golden crust. Serve the casserole as is or pair it with a crisp green salad and some bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this casserole. Both options work well and provide a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor. Additionally, if you do not have cream of mushroom soup on hand, cream of chicken or celery soup can be used as a suitable replacement to create a creamy base for the dish.

If you prefer fresh vegetables over frozen, feel free to use them in this recipe. Simply chop the fresh veggies into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through properly in the casserole. You can also experiment with different types of melty cheeses as toppings, such as Monterey Jack or a cheese blend, to add variety and unique flavors to the dish. These substitutions allow you to personalize the casserole to your liking while still enjoying a comforting and hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole, consider layering it in individual mason jars or ramekins before baking. This not only adds a charming presentation but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy their own portion without any extra fuss. Top each jar with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for that irresistible golden crust in every bite!

To elevate the comfort food experience, serve the casserole alongside a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chives. The creamy tanginess of the dairy complements the hearty flavors of the dish while the chives add a pop of freshness. You can also pair it with a side of homemade garlic breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce, creating a cozy and satisfying meal that will warm both body and soul.

FAQs for Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for this recipe?

Yes, fresh mixed vegetables work perfectly. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces before mixing.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Cheddar is popular, but Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses also melts beautifully and adds great flavor.

Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate covered, and bake when ready to serve.

How do I know when the casserole is ready to be served?

The casserole is ready when a fork easily pierces the potatoes and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

As you savor the cheesy goodness of this Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole, I hope it brings you the same warmth and joy it has brought my family over the years. The memories of laughter in the kitchen and the aroma of a bubbling casserole are what make this dish truly special.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring the leftovers, this casserole is a versatile and comforting meal that never fails to hit the spot. So whip up a batch, share it with your loved ones, and create your own cherished moments around the table with this delicious Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole.

Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies

“Cheesy, hearty Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Casserole – a nostalgic comfort food with a golden crust that’ll have your family asking for seconds.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time60 Minutes

Total Time75 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 450 grams ground beef
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 120 grams shredded cheese
• Salt, to taste
• 300 grams frozen mixed vegetables
• 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 450 grams potatoes, diced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C.
2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Combine Casserole Mixture: Combine the cooked beef, onions, frozen mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, mixing well until evenly incorporated.
4. Assemble for Baking: Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly greased casserole dish.
5. Initial Baking with Cover: Place aluminum foil over the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.