Description
Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal combining ground meat, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners, this casserole is customizable, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (lean preferred)
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and slice the bell peppers to ensure even cooking and proper blending in the casserole.
- Cook the Meat and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the bell peppers and cook until just tender.
- Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the canned diced tomatoes along with salt, pepper, and thyme or oregano to the meat and vegetable mixture. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and layer the diced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Pour the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly to distribute flavors.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into small cubes so they cook faster and blend better with other ingredients.
- Don’t skip sautéing the meat and vegetables; it adds essential depth of flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let flavors settle.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top after baking for a fresh contrast and vibrant presentation.
- Use a sharp knife for uniform chopping to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg