Hobo Casserole

Hobo Casserole, also known as Campfire Casserole or Hobo Dinner, is a comforting and versatile dish that has been a favorite among families for generations. This hearty one-pot meal combines layers of ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes, all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this guide, we’ll show you how to whip up a delicious batch of Hobo Casserole that will become a staple in your meal rotation.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

 

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. Layer the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, frozen peas, and frozen corn over the ground beef mixture in the baking dish.
6. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
7. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well coated.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
9. Remove the foil from the baking dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top (if using), and return the casserole to the oven.
10. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Once baked, remove the Hobo Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

 

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you like.
• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and use a combination of lentils or beans for added protein.
• To make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it according to the instructions when ready to serve.
• Serve the Hobo Casserole with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

 

Variations:

• Tex-Mex Hobo Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef mixture and top the casserole with shredded Mexican blend cheese and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
• Italian Hobo Casserole: Replace the condensed cream of mushroom soup with condensed cream of tomato soup and add Italian seasoning to the ground beef mixture. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

 

Hobo Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether enjoyed around the dinner table with family or served at a potluck gathering with friends, this versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its layers of savory goodness and endless customization options, Hobo Casserole is a timeless classic that never fails to impress.