Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Made Fast

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When you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal without a long grocery list or hours in the kitchen, this Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe comes to the rescue. It’s a comforting combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and creamy goodness, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity—no complicated prep, no fancy tools, and no long wait times. Just a handful of pantry staples, a casserole dish, and your oven. This is a dish that feels like home, made for busy days, tight budgets, or when you just need something warm and filling on the table quickly.

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Ingredients for this Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This ensures the cheesy topping will lift easily once baked.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.

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Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth. Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the bowl and mix everything together until evenly coated.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and soup mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, covering the entire surface.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole Ground Beef fresh and delicious for later:

• Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through (about 15–20 minutes if thawed, 30–35 if frozen).

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~375
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values may vary slightly based on exact brands and measurements used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or even a homemade roux with broth and cream for a fresher option.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default—most canned cream soups contain flour. Use a gluten-free cream soup or homemade version for a gluten-free dish.

Can I add vegetables to this?

Yes! You can mix in frozen peas, carrots, green beans, or corn before baking for added nutrients and flavor.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of Colby-Jack all melt beautifully and add different flavors.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture before baking.

What side dishes go well with this casserole?

Garlic bread, green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad are excellent complements.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a leaner alternative with a slightly lighter flavor.

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