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Hearty one-pan Hobo Casserole Ground Beef in a rustic cast-iron tray on a wooden table, featuring golden-browned beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and fresh parsley garnish.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Enjoy a hearty, one-pan Hobo Casserole Ground Beef that's perfect for busy weeknights. This family-friendly dish combines lean ground beef with tender potatoes, carrots, onions, and red bell peppers, all seasoned with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika. Quick to prep and cook, this customizable comfort food delivers balanced nutrition and irresistible flavor in under 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb 450g Fresh Ground Beef: Opt for lean meat to keep it hearty yet healthy.
  • 3 Medium Potatoes: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
  • 2 Carrots: Sliced into rounds or half-moons for a touch of natural sweetness.
  • 1 Large Onion: Chopped into medium pieces to infuse rich flavor.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper: Deseeded and diced to add color and crunch.
Aromatics & Seasonings
  • 3 Garlic Cloves: Minced to boost the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp Salt & ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep savory dimension.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Or swap with rosemary for a fragrant twist.
  • ½ tsp Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky finish to the dish.
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup Sliced Mushrooms: For an extra layer of umami.
  • 1 cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes: For a burst of tangy sweetness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped to garnish and brighten the presentation.

Method
 

Preheat and Prepare:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease or line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Brown the Beef:
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 lb of lean ground beef for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix Vegetables and Seasonings:
  1. In a large bowl, combine cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme (or rosemary), and paprika; toss until evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Gently fold the browned beef into the vegetable mixture. If using optional ingredients (mushrooms or cherry tomatoes), mix them in now. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking tray.
Bake:
  1. Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil on high for the last 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  2. Finish and Garnish: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.