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To make the Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (preferably Yukon gold) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can easily swap out some ingredients based on what you have at home: - Ground beef can be replaced with turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. - Use sweet onions instead of regular onions for a milder taste. - If you have no fresh spinach, use frozen spinach, but thaw and drain it first. - Any color of bell pepper works, so feel free to mix or match. - For potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor. - If you need a dairy-free option, try a dairy-free cheese alternative. Adding toppings can elevate your casserole: - Fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness. - A dollop of sour cream provides creaminess and tang. - Chopped green onions can add a nice crunch. - Slices of jalapeño offer heat for spice lovers. - A sprinkle of extra cheese before serving makes it extra gooey. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (preferably Yukon gold) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a large skillet, add the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion turns soft. Now it's time to add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as you cook. You want it browned and cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it. Once the beef is ready, mix in the diced bell peppers. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the peppers and adds flavor. Next, stir in the chopped spinach and the can of diced tomatoes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this for another 2 minutes. The spinach should wilt down nicely. Take a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Then pour half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat this layering with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an extra 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Once it's done, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Then slice and serve. Enjoy your hearty meal! To make the best Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, start with good quality ground beef. This adds flavor and richness. Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking. Always preheat your oven for the best results. Layer the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook through. For extra flavor, let the beef mixture sit for a few minutes before layering. This helps the flavors meld together. One common mistake is not draining the fat from the beef. This can make your casserole greasy. Another error is overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches to get the right texture. Don’t skip the seasoning; it brings life to the dish. Also, remember to cover the casserole properly while baking. This keeps it moist and tender. You’ll need a few basic tools for this recipe: - Large skillet - 9x13-inch baking dish - Sharp knife for slicing potatoes - Cutting board - Wooden spatula for mixing - Aluminum foil for covering the dish These tools make the cooking process smooth and easy. Happy cooking! Pro Tips Tip for Perfect Potatoes: Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This removes excess starch and helps them cook evenly. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick. It enhances the overall flavor profile. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist instead of cheddar. Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Hobo Ground Beef Casserole. Start by swapping the ground beef for a mix of beans. Black beans or lentils work well. Use the same amount as the beef. You can also add more veggies. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor. This option keeps the dish hearty and filling. If you want a different meat, consider ground turkey or chicken. These meats have less fat and still taste great in the casserole. Just cook them the same way as the beef. You can also use sausage for a spicy kick! Adjust the seasoning to match the meat you choose. To boost flavors, try adding different spices. Cumin or chili powder gives a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add a nice touch too. You can also mix in some hot sauce for heat. For a tangy twist, use a splash of vinegar. These small changes can make your casserole unique and enjoyable. To keep your Hobo Ground Beef Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep moisture in check. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can. Label each bag with the date. The casserole can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole again, you can reheat it easily. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot all the way through. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. Hobo Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty dish made with ground beef and layers of veggies. You use common ingredients like potatoes, bell peppers, and spinach. This meal is baked with cheese on top, making it tasty and comforting. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, just bake it. This helps save time on busy days. You can also freeze it for later. Just thaw it before baking. Hobo Ground Beef Casserole pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread. A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top. This gives it a creamy touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! You've learned about Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, its key ingredients, and the best ways to prepare it. We covered the perfect steps to cook and layer your dish. I shared tips and tricks to help you avoid common mistakes. You saw neat variations, like vegetarian options, to fit different tastes. Lastly, I explained how to store your leftovers safely. I hope this guide inspires you to cook with confidence and enjoy your meals!

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, vegetables, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (preferably Yukon gold)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion softens (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Mix in the diced bell peppers, sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Pour half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve each portion on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra flair.
Keyword casserole, easy dinner, ground beef