Hobo Casserole (OAMC)
One of our best and most inexpensive dishes, Hobo Casserole makes a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together easily and can be made in advance, making it ideal for batch cooking or freezing. Serve it with a side salad, and dinner is ready to go. This recipe yields four casseroles, so you can freeze some for later meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled and diced) | 10 |
| Ground beef | 3 lbs |
| Carrots (sliced) | 6-8 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2354.9 |
| Fat Content | 93.9g |
| Saturated Fat | 33.5g |
| Cholesterol | 265.5mg |
| Sodium | 4742.1mg |
| Carbohydrates | 278.1g |
| Fiber | 28.4g |
| Sugar | 29.9g |
| Protein | 105.2g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Pans: Spray four 9×13-inch baking pans with non-stick cooking spray (such as Pam). This step is essential for easy removal once the casserole is cooked.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, combine the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned. Drain the excess fat once the beef is cooked.
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Make the Sauce: To the beef mixture, add the Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until the sauce is fairly smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy base for the casserole.
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Prepare the Potatoes and Carrots: Boil the potatoes and carrots in a large pot of water until they are tender. Drain them well and add them to the beef mixture, stirring gently to combine.
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Assemble the Casserole: Divide the beef, potato, and carrot mixture evenly between the four prepared baking pans. Spread the mixture out evenly so that each casserole is filled to the same level.
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Bake the Casseroles: Cover each baking pan with aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to cook through. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
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Freezing Option: If you’re making extra casseroles to freeze, allow the mixture to cool completely in the baking pans before covering. Label and freeze for later use. This is a great way to stock up on ready-to-go meals.
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To Reheat Frozen Casserole: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, bake it as directed above, but note that it may take an additional 15 minutes if placed in the oven directly from the fridge.
Pro Tip: This recipe can be easily scaled down or mixed in batches if you don’t have a large enough skillet or bowl to mix everything at once. Simply divide the ingredients into thirds to make the mixing process easier.
Tips for Making Hobo Casserole
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Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or meatless crumbles.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
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Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole before baking for a melty, gooey finish.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole is the perfect one-dish meal to make when you’re short on time but still want something filling and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and can be made ahead of time, so you always have a homemade meal ready to go. Whether you’re freezing extras for later or serving it fresh out of the oven, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!
