Easy Hobo Casserole

When you need a comforting, no-fuss, family-friendly meal that delivers both flavor and satisfaction, look no further than this Easy Hobo Casserole. Packed with ground meat, hearty vegetables, creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or feeding a hungry crowd.

What Is Hobo Casserole?

Hobo Casserole is inspired by the classic “hobo dinner” foil packets, often made over campfires. This baked version turns that rustic meal into a full-fledged casserole with layers of meat, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, all baked in one dish. It’s easy, customizable, and made with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish checks every box:

• Easy prep with simple, wholesome ingredients
• One-pan convenience for minimal cleanup
• Customizable based on your favorite vegetables and proteins
• Family-approved comfort food that even picky eaters enjoy

With ingredients like ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, and a creamy base, this recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)

These ingredients come together to form a casserole that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey with chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

3. Mix the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to help the vegetables steam and soften during baking. Bake for 45 minutes.

5. Add the Cheese and Finish

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve clean portions.

Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

• Slice potatoes thinly so they cook through evenly. A mandoline works great for this.
• Use pre-shredded carrots or frozen veggies to save prep time.
• Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a flavor twist.
• Add spice with red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
• Make it ahead by assembling the casserole in the morning and refrigerating until ready to bake.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp green salad
• Buttered dinner rolls or garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and vary by ingredients and portion size.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Hobo Casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It’s simple to prepare, satisfying to eat, and flexible enough to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping, or just need a no-fail dinner idea, this casserole has your back with flavor, comfort, and ease.

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