Name: Ground Beef and Veggie Hobo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables; 3 cups potatoes, diced small; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Ground beef and veggie hobo casserole is my go-to recipe when I want something warm, easy, and family-friendly. This dish combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes, colorful vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey melted cheese—all baked into one satisfying casserole. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings everyone to the table, especially on cozy weeknights or chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole uses basic pantry staples and transforms them into a comforting meal. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. The prep is simple—just brown the beef and mix everything together—then the oven does the rest. It’s great for meal prep, potlucks, and lazy Sundays when I don’t want to fuss over dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion, chopped
frozen mixed vegetables
potatoes, diced small
cream of mushroom soup
shredded cheese
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the Oven
I set my oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a casserole dish so the mixture won’t stick.
Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. I drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Combine the Ingredients
I transfer the cooked beef and onion to a large bowl. Then I add in the frozen vegetables, diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. I mix thoroughly so everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
Assemble the Casserole
I spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Then I cover the top tightly with foil.
Bake Covered
The casserole bakes covered for 45 minutes. This step steams the potatoes and softens the vegetables while locking in flavor.
Add the Cheese
After 45 minutes, I uncover the dish and sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. I return it to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let it Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, I let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. It firms up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken when I want something lighter. If I’m out of cream of mushroom soup, I use cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. For the vegetables, any frozen mix works—or I dice up fresh carrots, peas, or green beans if I have them. Cheese-wise, cheddar is my go-to, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend adds a fun twist.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep great in the fridge for up to four days. I reheat them in the oven at 325°F covered with foil or microwave single servings until heated through. This dish also freezes well—I cool it completely, portion it into freezer bags or containers, and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, I do that often. I just make sure to cut them small so they cook all the way through during baking.

What cheese works best for topping?

Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses melt nicely and add depth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. I assemble everything, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I pop it straight into the oven.

How do I know the potatoes are done?

I test by piercing a piece with a fork. If it slides in easily and the cheese is golden and bubbly, it’s ready.

Can I swap the meat for something else?

Absolutely. I’ve used ground turkey and even leftover shredded chicken with great results.

Conclusion

Ground beef and veggie hobo casserole is everything I want in a comfort meal: easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or making leftovers for the week, this dish always delivers. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with familiar ingredients that never go out of style. I keep this one in regular rotation because it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home.