Description
A hearty, one-pan hobo casserole that uses simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and onions to create a delicious, budget-friendly meal. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables by peeling and dicing the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and dicing the onions finely. Mince the garlic and measure out the spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
- Add the diced onions to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure liquid hasn’t evaporated too quickly; add a splash of water or broth if dry.
- Remove the lid and check for doneness. Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with cheese if desired.
Notes
For best texture, use a cast-iron skillet to hold heat well. Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to ensure proper searing. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: budget friendly, hobo casserole, one pan meal, ground beef recipe, cheap dinner, family meals, meal prep, comfort food, gluten free