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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef That Whips Up Comfort

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting one-dish meal filled with seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a gooey cheese topping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Cooking fat that adds depth; can substitute with any cooking oil.
  • 500 g Lean Beef Mince Choose beef with 15-20% fat for moisture.
  • 1 Large Onion Aromatic base for flavor; can substitute with shallots.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Infuses savoriness; garlic powder can be a substitute.
  • 2 Diced Carrots Adds sweetness and color; peas or green beans can be alternatives.
  • 150 g Frozen Peas Brings freshness and texture; fresh peas can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Plain Flour Thickens the rich gravy; cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 400 ml Hot Beef Stock The liquid foundation; vegetable stock offers a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Purée Enhances depth of flavor; ketchup can substitute in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami complexity; soy sauce is a good alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Offers herby notes; can use Italian seasoning.
For the Topping
  • 900 g Potatoes Use Maris Piper or King Edward; any floury potato works.
  • 50 g Butter Melted for brushing potatoes for golden color; olive oil can be used.
  • 150 g Mature Cheddar Cheese Grated; Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be substituted.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • casserole dish
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan). Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean beef mince and cook for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly browned.
  3. Add a finely chopped large onion and two medium diced carrots. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually mix in hot beef stock, stirring to prevent lumps.
  6. Incorporate the tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the frozen peas. Pour everything into the greased casserole dish.
  8. Thinly slice the potatoes and layer them on top of the mixture, brushing with melted butter and seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
  11. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
  12. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure the beef is well-browned for richer flavor; let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving.

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