I recently cooked up a dish featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, chopped onions and crisp green bell pepper. Cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar add a rich depth with hints of paprika and garlic. This recipe is a perfect example of Easy Dinner For 6 People Meal Ideas.

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I always look for recipes that deliver on both speed and flavor, and this hobo casserole really does the trick. It’s a hearty, one-dish meal made with 1 lb ground beef, 3 medium potatoes diced into small cubes, 1 medium onion chopped up, and a green bell pepper diced just right.

I also add 2 cloves of garlic minced to kick things up a notch. Then there’s a can of 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup mixed with 1/2 cup milk to give it great creaminess.

Topped off with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and seasoned with salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder, it comes out as a perfectly balanced meal. This recipe fits right in if you’re scouting for easy dinner ideas, or need a meat and potatoes meal that serves a crowd without any fuss.

It’s an absolute winner when time is short.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really dig this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First off, it’s super fast and easy to throw together when I’m short on time, which is great for those busy weeknights. I also love how the creamy mushroom and milk sauce ties all the flavors together so well, making every bite delicious. The mix of ground beef with tender potatoes and veggies is comforting and has that perfect balance between hearty and fresh. And of course, who doesn’t love a top of gooey, melty cheddar cheese on top? It makes the whole dish even more satisfying. Overall, it’s my go-to when I need a quick, tasty dinner that doesn’t require a ton of effort.

Ingredients

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Ground beef: Rich in protein and flavor, it forms the hearty base for the casserole.
Potatoes: Diced for tenderness, provide good carbs and a satisfying, soft texture.
Onion: Chopped onions gives a touch of sweetness and enriches the savory mix.
Green bell pepper: Diced green bell peppers add crunch, vitamins and a fresh hint of flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the dish with a bold, aromatic kick of taste.
Cream of mushroom soup: A creamy base that ties ingredients together with its mild, savory notes.
Milk: Half cup milk creates a smooth, creamy consistency that brightens up the casserole.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

3 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a medium sized casserole dish.

2. In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned; add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until they’re soft.

3. Stir in the diced potatoes and green bell pepper to the pan and let them cook for about 5 minutes.

4. In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk.

5. Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the soup mixture and stir well.

6. Pour the soup mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture in the pan and stir until everything is evenly combined.

7. Transfer the whole mixture into the greased casserole dish.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

9. Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into the oven.

10. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes or until the cheese looks bubbly and gets a bit crispy; let it cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set to 375°F)
2. Medium sized casserole dish (to grease and bake in)
3. Large pan (for browning the beef and cooking veggies)
4. Mixing bowl (for stirring together the soup and milk)
5. Knife (for chopping onions, potatoes, and green bell pepper)
6. Cutting board (as a stable work surface)
7. Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring the meat and veggies)
8. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure out milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder)
9. Aluminum foil (to cover the casserole while baking)

FAQ

How long does it take to prep and cook this casserole?

It usually takes about 45 minutes in total from start to finish.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes you can swap in ground turkey, but be careful as it might cook faster and need a tad more seasoning.

Is it possible to use frozen or pre-diced potatoes?

Sure, you can use frozen potatoes if they are thawed first and diced into small cubes to cook evenly.

Can I make a homemade version of the cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely, just make sure you mix in the right amounts of milk and mushrooms to get that creamy texture.

How should I store any leftovers?

Stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before eating.

Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Cream of mushroom soup: You can substitute with cream of celery soup if you cant find the mushroom version.
Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack or even mozzarella can work if you want a different flavor twist.
Green bell pepper: Red bell pepper is an ok swap and it adds a nice pop of color.
Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative if you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter.

Pro Tips

1. Try to parboil the diced potatoes before adding them to the pan so they cook evenly and don’t turn mushy later on.
2. Brown the ground beef real good and drain any extra grease so the dish isn’t too oily, it makes a big diff if you skip that step.
3. After you take it out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Trust me, it tastes way better that way.
4. If you like a little extra kick, throw in a pinch more of your favorite spice – sometimes a dash of cayenne or extra garlic powder can really heighten the taste.