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Rustic Hobo Casserole

Rustic Hobo Casserole
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Rustic Hobo Casserole is a warm, hearty, and satisfying one-dish meal blending savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and simple spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, this casserole offers comfort with every bite and is easy to customize for different dietary needs or ingredient availability.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes or tomato sauce

Cheese (Optional)

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Swap ground meat for 1 1/2 cups cooked beans and lentils for meatless option
  • Add 1 cup diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies
  • Add 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne for spice
  • Use dairy-free cheese alternative if desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic finely to build the foundation of flavor.
  2. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish: Transfer the meat mixture to a casserole dish. Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Bake Until Tender: Cover the casserole dish with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove foil during the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden, adding a rich, creamy finish to the dish.

Notes

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and a lovely crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking meat and vegetables to avoid steaming.
  • Let the onions and garlic soften well before combining other ingredients to maximize flavor.
  • Check potatoes for doneness; bake longer if needed.
  • Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to set flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: hobo casserole, rustic casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, one pot meal, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/rustic-hobo-casserole/