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Rustic Hobo Casserole

Rustic Hobo Casserole

Rustic Hobo Casserole is a cozy and hearty comfort food combining ground meat, potatoes, vegetables, cheese, and tangy tomato sauce into a simple, filling, and versatile baked dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it features easy preparation with wholesome ingredients that can be customized for dietary preferences while delivering warm rustic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein Base

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables & Starches

  • 2 cups diced or shredded potatoes (pre-cooked slightly)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Sauces & Dairy

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop potatoes and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using diced potatoes, boil or microwave them briefly to soften before adding.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the browned meat, potatoes, chopped vegetables, tomato sauce or ketchup, and seasonings. Stir gently to meld flavors while maintaining texture.
  4. Layer and Add Cheese: Transfer the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top to cover the surface.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the ingredients are heated through.

Notes

  • Pre-cook potatoes slightly to ensure tenderness after baking.
  • Keep vegetable and potato pieces uniformly chopped for even cooking.
  • Season each ingredient individually before combining for richer flavor.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for intensified taste and better melt.
  • Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes post baking for easier serving and enhanced flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rustic Hobo Casserole, comfort food, casserole, ground beef recipe, family dinner, easy recipe, baked casserole, hearty meal