Tanya Rivers
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that comes together effortlessly, this One-Pan Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Veggies is the ultimate solution. Picture tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, all baked together in one dish for the perfect family-friendly meal. The best part? Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With its cheesy topping and wholesome ingredients, it strikes the ideal balance between comfort and nourishment.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Hobo Casserole
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Wholesome & filling: A perfect balance of protein, veggies, and hearty potatoes.
- Family favorite: Comfort food that both kids and adults adore.
- Customizable: Swap vegetables or cheeses to match what you have on hand.
What Kind of Vegetables Work Best in a Hobo Casserole?
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. While classic options like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli work perfectly, you can also include zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms. The key is choosing vegetables that can withstand baking without becoming mushy.
Ingredients for the One-Pan Hobo Casserole
Every ingredient in this casserole brings something delicious to the table. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and tender vegetables creates a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal.
- Ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
- Potatoes: Adds heartiness and soaks up all the flavors.
- Cherry tomatoes: A burst of sweetness and freshness.
- Carrots: Adds color, texture, and a subtle natural sweetness.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a nutritious, earthy touch.
- Shredded cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, golden topping.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Olive oil & seasonings: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
How To Make the One-Pan Hobo Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Drain any excess fat before layering it into the casserole dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, add the potatoes, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season well. Add the cooked beef on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm straight from the pan.
Serving and Storing Your One-Pan Hobo Casserole
This casserole generously feeds 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it straight from the baking dish for a rustic and comforting presentation.
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
What to Serve With One-Pan Hobo Casserole?
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a few extras can make your dinner feel extra special:
1. Fresh Garden Salad
Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balance the hearty casserole.
2. Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up all those flavorful juices.
3. Steamed Green Beans
A light and simple side to round out the meal.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add a caramelized, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cheesy casseroles.
5. Pickled Vegetables
Bright and tangy, they cut through the richness beautifully.
6. Apple Coleslaw
A crunchy, slightly sweet coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast.
7. Tomato Basil Soup
Pairing this casserole with a warm bowl of soup makes for the coziest dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well. Just make sure to season it generously for maximum flavor.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
3. How do I prevent the potatoes from drying out?
Cut them into even pieces and cover the casserole with foil for most of the baking time to keep moisture locked in.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini, green beans, and mushrooms are all great additions. Just adjust the size of the pieces so they cook evenly.
5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Once baked, let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. Reheat in the oven for best results.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra veggies or try a different cheese? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
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One-Pan Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Veggies
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Wash, peel, and cut all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
- In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season. Add cooked ground beef and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Covering with foil for most of the baking time keeps the casserole moist and prevents drying.