Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Made Fast

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a hot, cheesy casserole bubbling straight out of the oven—and this Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole is exactly that kind of cozy. It’s one of those weeknight lifesavers you’ll come back to again and again. With tender, seasoned ground beef layered beneath golden, gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers a hearty punch of flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for when you want dinner fast without skimping on taste or satisfaction.

This old-school classic is a throwback to humble pantry meals, made with affordable ingredients and packed with rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just craving a solo comfort fix, this cheesy ground beef casserole hits the spot. It’s ideal for busy nights, potlucks, or when you need a warm food hug. You won’t believe how something so simple can taste this incredible!

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Ingredients for this Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onion

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks to avoid large chunks. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a bit of flavor kick.

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Step 2: Mix with Soup

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup. Combine well until the beef is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. This creates the base layer of your casserole, giving it that signature rich and savory depth.

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Step 3: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish. Smooth it out evenly to form the first layer. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the beef mixture fully—this will melt into a bubbly, golden crown of cheesy goodness.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and begins to brown slightly at the edges. For a crispier top, broil on high for an extra 2–3 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

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Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up just enough to scoop easily. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you’d like to add a pop of freshness.

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Storage Instructions

This Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole is just as delicious the next day—and it stores beautifully!
To store leftovers, first let the casserole cool completely. Then transfer it into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it for longer storage! Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: ~750mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken works great for a leaner option, though you may want to bump up the seasoning since they’re milder in flavor.

2. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make a quick homemade white sauce if you prefer.

3. Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default, since most canned soups contain gluten. But you can make it gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free cream soup.

4. Can I add veggies to this dish?

Yes! Frozen peas, corn, green beans, or sautéed onions and bell peppers can be added right into the beef mixture before baking.

5. What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for more flavor.

6. How do I make it spicy?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or stir in some diced jalapeños for heat.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just use a 9×13 baking dish and double all ingredients—adjust baking time slightly to ensure it heats evenly.

8. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and bake when ready. Allow a few extra minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.

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