Ever have one of those nights where you stare into the fridge, willing a delicious dinner to magically assemble itself? I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. That’s exactly why this Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is my kitchen superhero. It’s the kind of hearty, no-fuss meal that brings everyone to the table with zero complaints. Imagine savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots all baked together in a single dish with minimal cleanup. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, dream no more, because this recipe is about to become your reality.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

One-Pan Wonder: Less time scrubbing pans means more time relaxing.
Picky-Eater Approved: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Budget-Friendly Bliss: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
Endlessly Customizable: Swap in your family’s favorite veggies or whatever needs using up in the veggie drawer.

Ground Beef Hobo Casserole Easy Hearty OnePan Dinner Recipe

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Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Easy ground beef hobo casserole recipe A hearty onepan dinner cooked in foil packs Perfect for campfires or quick oven meals Simple delicious

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

3–4 large carrots, peeled and sliced

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

¼ cup water

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.

While the beef is cooking, peel and cube the potatoes and slice the carrots into uniform pieces for even cooking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, cream of mushroom soup, water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 425 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 28 g

Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3-4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup water
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because everything’s better with cheese)

How to Make Hobo Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. A little non-stick spray will keep things from sticking.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
While the beef is cooking, prep your potatoes and carrots. The key to even cooking is trying to cut them all about the same size.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, cream of mushroom soup, water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle and saves everyone from burning their tongues!

Helpful Equipment

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe! A trusty large skillet, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and some aluminum foil are the main players. A good knife for chopping veggies will make prep a breeze.

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations

The beauty of a hobo casserole is its flexibility. Here’s how to make it perfectly yours:

Veggie Swap: Not a carrot fan? Throw in some chopped bell peppers, green beans, or peas instead. This is a great way to clean out the fridge!
Soup Swap: Cream of chicken or celery soup works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Cheese, Please: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a pepper jack for a little kick.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the whole casserole a day ahead, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
Storage: Leftovers (if you have any!) keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They reheat like a dream in the microwave or oven.

The Perfect Pairings

This casserole is a meal in itself, but I love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A warm, buttery dinner roll is also never a bad idea for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a lighter option, try some steamed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side.

Nutrition Information

This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole truly is the definition of comfort in a dish. It’s the recipe I turn to when life gets hectic but I still want to put a wholesome, home-cooked meal on the table. I love knowing that with one simple dish, I’m creating a meal that will bring my people together. I hope it finds a regular spot in your dinner rotation and creates as many happy memories for you as it has for my family. Now, who’s ready to eat?

Your Ground Beef Hobo Casserole Questions, Answered

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic freezer meal. Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it will be cold.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

You sure can. Ground turkey or chicken would be a great leaner alternative. For a deeper flavor, you could even try using ground sausage. Just keep in mind that fattier meats might require draining more grease after browning.

How can I make sure my potatoes cook through?

The key is cutting them into small, uniform cubes (about ½-inch). This ensures they all cook at the same rate and become perfectly tender alongside the carrots. If your pieces are too big, they might still be crunchy after the hour of baking.

My family doesn’t like mushrooms. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

No problem at all! Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a roasted garlic soup would be excellent substitutes that will still give you that creamy, comforting texture. You can also make a quick homemade sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.

More Easy Family Dinners You’ll Adore

If this recipe was a hit, you’ll definitely want to try these other simple and satisfying meals from my kitchen: