Name: The Best Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g (1lb 2oz) Ground Beef: Lean ground beef recommended.; 150g (5oz) Onion, Diced: Yellow or white onions work best.; 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Use fresh garlic for best flavor.; 120g (4oz) Carrot, Grated: Adds sweetness and texture.; 240ml (1 cup) Frozen Corn Kernels: Provides a sweet crunch.; 240ml (1 cup) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained: Ensure tomatoes are well-drained.; 30ml (2 Tbsp) Tomato Paste: Adds umami and thickens the sauce.; 5g (1 tsp) Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky flavor.; 2.5g (½ tsp) Ground Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone.; 1g (¼ tsp) Cayenne Pepper: Optional, for a subtle heat.; 250ml (1 cup) Vegetable-Based Beef Broth, Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth.; 240ml (1 cup) Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy base.; 30g (2 Tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent.; 15ml (1 Tbsp) Olive Oil: For sautéing.; 100g (1 cup) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold flavor.; 50g (½ cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty texture.; 15g (1 Tbsp) Butter, Cut into Pats: For a glossy finish.; 15g (1 Tbsp) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: For garnish.

Description

This Hobo Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a hearty ground beef and vegetable medley in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese. It’s a simple and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1lb 2oz) Ground Beef: Lean ground beef recommended.
150g (5oz) Onion, Diced: Yellow or white onions work best.
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
120g (4oz) Carrot, Grated: Adds sweetness and texture.
240ml (1 cup) Frozen Corn Kernels: Provides a sweet crunch.
240ml (1 cup) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained: Ensure tomatoes are well-drained.
30ml (2 Tbsp) Tomato Paste: Adds umami and thickens the sauce.
5g (1 tsp) Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky flavor.
2.5g (½ tsp) Ground Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone.
1g (¼ tsp) Cayenne Pepper: Optional, for a subtle heat.
250ml (1 cup) Vegetable-Based Beef Broth, Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth.
240ml (1 cup) Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy base.
30g (2 Tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent.
15ml (1 Tbsp) Olive Oil: For sautéing.
100g (1 cup) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold flavor.
50g (½ cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty texture.
15g (1 Tbsp) Butter, Cut into Pats: For a glossy finish.
15g (1 Tbsp) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: For garnish.

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 22cm × 33cm (9 × 13 in) casserole dish.
Brown Beef: Sauté ground beef in olive oil until browned (5-6 minutes).
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and carrot; cook until softened (3 minutes).
Bloom Spices: Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, and cayenne; toast for 30 seconds.
Build Sauce Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Simmer & Deglaze: Add tomatoes, corn, and broth; scrape up browned bits.
Thicken Sauce: Whisk evaporated milk with flour; slowly add to mixture and simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes).
Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to dish and spread evenly.
Add Cheese & Butter: Sprinkle with cheese and dot with butter pats.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and browned.
Rest & Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes; garnish with parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly shredded cheese. Assembling the casserole ahead of time is a great time-saver.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg