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Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole
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Hobo Casserole is a quick, comforting, and hearty one-dish meal that combines ground meat, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables into a warm, flavorful casserole. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile enough for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables

  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Potatoes

  • 2 cups instant mashed potatoes (prepared according to package) or 3 cups diced potatoes (parboiled)

Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1 cup beef broth or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Your favorite herbs (such as thyme, parsley or oregano), to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to create a deep, savory base.
  2. Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and allow to defrost slightly. Pour in beef broth or cream of mushroom soup, mixing well. Adjust seasonings as needed and let the flavors meld together.
  3. Layer the Potatoes: Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions or parboil diced potatoes until tender. Spread the potatoes evenly in your casserole dish, either as the base layer or on top depending on your preferred assembly.
  4. Assemble and Add Cheese: Combine the meat and vegetable mixture with potatoes in the casserole dish or layer separately. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to form a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden on the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and a smooth topping.
  • Season the meat mixture well to ensure a flavorful casserole base.
  • Parboil diced potatoes to ensure they cook thoroughly and remain tender.
  • Cover the casserole with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent cheese burning; uncover for the remaining time to brown.
  • For extra texture, sprinkle crushed crackers or fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hobo Casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, one dish meal, comfort food, budget-friendly dinner, hearty casserole

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/hobo-casserole/