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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining accumulated fat to prevent excess grease.
- Relocate the caramelized beef directly into the crockpot, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- 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.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layered ingredients, allowing the cheese to melt and infuse rich, tangy flavors throughout the dish.
- Pour beef broth around the ingredients, gently stirring to integrate the liquid and distribute seasonings like dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly.
- 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.
- 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