Simple & Hearty Crockpot Hobo Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meals like this crockpot hobo casserole bring warmth to our kitchen tables with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a slow cooker, creating a robust dish that speaks to classic home cooking.

Potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables mingle beneath a savory sauce, promising satisfying flavors in every bite.

Generations have cherished similar recipes passed down through family cookbooks and shared memories.

Simple preparation means you can assemble this meal quickly before heading out for the day.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this casserole accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Grab a spoon and savor every delicious, no-fuss bite of this comforting classic.

Crockpot Hobo Casserole Full of Comfort and Ease

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This crockpot hobo casserole transforms busy cooking into a stress-free meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor, allowing you to toss ingredients and walk away.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, this dish delivers pure satisfaction that appeals to both kids and adults, making family mealtime a breeze.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned tomatoes, this recipe provides a delicious and economical meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: The crockpot does all the work, eliminating multiple pots and pans, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal with your loved ones.

Ingredients to Prepare Crockpot Hobo Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich, meaty texture to the casserole.

• Potatoes, Onion: Potatoes add substance and heartiness, while onions contribute a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy brightness to balance the rich meat and cheese.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy and smooth sauce that helps bind all the ingredients together.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and ensures the casserole stays moist during slow cooking.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy element and helps create a rich, indulgent texture.
• Dried Thyme: Introduces an earthy and subtle herb flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.

Stepwise Instructions for Crockpot Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle and Drain Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and cook ground beef until it’s beautifully browned. Carefully drain away any extra fat, ensuring your dish stays lean and delicious.

Step 2: Transfer Beef to Slow Cooker

Gently move the perfectly browned beef into your trusty crockpot, preparing it for a flavor-packed journey.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Diced tomatoes (with their juicy liquid)
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chopped onions
• Cubed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Beef broth
• Dried thyme

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Let your crockpot work its magic. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

The dish is ready when it’s heated through and bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Scoop out this hearty hobo casserole into warm bowls.

Each bite promises comfort and satisfaction, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.

Tips to Enhance This Comforting Dish

• Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, healthier meal.
• Place potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking and better texture absorption.
• Add shredded cheese during the last hour of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a creamy consistency.
• Sauté onions before adding to the crockpot to intensify their natural sweetness and develop a richer taste profile.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's hearty character.

Flavor Variations to Try in Your Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Hobo Casserole: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Hobo Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans and kidney beans, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers for protein-packed alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Hobo Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, diced zucchini, and replace dried thyme with oregano and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hobo Casserole: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top, mix in ranch seasoning, and use ranch dressing instead of beef broth for a rich, creamy texture.

Pairing Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the hearty beef and rich cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's creamy texture.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and add bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy contrast to the soft casserole ingredients.
• Add Zesty Coleslaw: Prepare a light, creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to introduce a cool, crunchy element that enhances the meal's overall taste profile.

Storing Crockpot Hobo Casserole the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing potatoes if possible, as they can become mushy.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What exactly is a hobo casserole?

A hobo casserole is a budget-friendly one-pot meal traditionally made with simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned vegetables, originally inspired by meals cooked by traveling workers during the Great Depression.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just ensure the meat is browned and drained before adding to the crockpot.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, freeze it before cooking, and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook in the crockpot as directed.

Crockpot Hobo Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole brings rustic comfort straight from slow cookers, combining savory ground beef with classic potato and vegetable goodness. Warmth and simplicity merge in this effortless one-pot meal that promises satisfying flavors for hungry families seeking quick and delicious dinner solutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Vegetables and Starch:

• 2 cups cooked potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.75 ounces) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining accumulated fat to prevent excess grease.
2. Relocate the caramelized beef directly into the crockpot, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
3. Incorporate undrained diced tomatoes, creamy mushroom soup, finely chopped onions, and rustic potato cubes into the meat mixture, creating a robust foundation for the hearty casserole.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layered ingredients, allowing the cheese to melt and infuse rich, tangy flavors throughout the dish.
5. Pour beef broth around the ingredients, gently stirring to integrate the liquid and distribute seasonings like dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly.
6. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the casserole to simmer and meld flavors for 6-7 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 3-4 hours until ingredients are tender and bubbling.
7. Once cooking completes, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a lighter, less oily dish.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that still provides a hearty texture.
• Consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 277 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg