Description
Hobo Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with tender potatoes, carrots, and creamy cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines flavorful spices and a creamy texture, making it a perfect family dinner that’s both satisfying and simple.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 1 cup sour cream
Vegetables
- 3 cups diced russet potatoes (about 3 russet potatoes)
- 1 cup diced carrots
Garnish
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a sauté pan, add 1 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes or until the juices run clear, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked meat mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux that will help thicken the casserole.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, then add 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to combine all the flavors.
- Add Dairy: Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup sour cream until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Vegetables: Add 3 cups diced russet potatoes and 1 cup diced carrots to the meat mixture in the baking dish and stir gently until everything is combined.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly distribute the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven on the middle rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork tender.
- Check Doneness: Use a fork to test the tenderness of the potatoes; if they are not fork tender, continue baking a little longer as oven times may vary.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle 1 tablespoon dried parsley evenly on top for color and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version.
- Make sure to dice potatoes and carrots evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- If you prefer, fresh parsley can be used instead of dried for garnish.
- Check the casserole near the end of baking time to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
