Craving comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? This hearty, easy hobo casserole is calling your name. A true crowd-pleasing recipe made for busy weeknights, this dump-and-go casserole is budget-friendly and full of family-favorite flavors.
By simply browning ground beef and dumping it into the slow cooker with vegetables, canned goods, and seasonings, you’ll end up with a satisfying one-pot meal the whole family will devour. Tender beef mingles with carrots, potatoes, beans and corn in a sauce made rich from tomato and beef broth. A blend of savory spices brings everything together for a dish that’s perfectly sweet, salty and totally irresistible.
The best part? Preparation takes mere minutes but rewards you with hours of tempting aroma as everything simmers away to soft, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Dinner doesn’t get more stress-free than this easy hobo casserole. Ready right in your crockpot, this tasty meal will feed a crowd without the fuss or clean-up of traditional cooking.
So break out your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the ultimate hearty comfort food made easy. This ultra-satisfying meal is about to become a regular rotation in your weeknight dinner lineup!
An easy, dump-and-go hobo casserole recipe made with ground beef, vegetables and canned goods. The perfect hearty, budget-friendly slow cooker dinner for the whole family.
Can I prepare this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake this hobo casserole! Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 45-60 minutes, until heated through. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
What kind of ground beef works best?
85% or 90% lean ground beef provides the most flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted.
Do I need to brown the ground beef first?
Browning the beef is an extra step but adds richer flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip it.
What if I don’t have all the canned vegetables listed?
Improvise with whatever canned or frozen vegetables you have on hand! Carrots, peas, broccoli or mixed veggies also work well.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! Assemble everything in your slow cooker then refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours. Let sit out while coming to room temp before cooking.
Cook Times:
Slow Cooker:
Low: 6-8 hours
High: 4 hours
Ingredients:
- 450g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 350g cabbage, shredded
- 1 (400g) can corn, drained
- 1 (400g) can green beans, drained
- 1 (200g) can tomato sauce
- 250ml beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. (Source: Ineskohl.info)
- Transfer the browned beef to a greased slow cooker. Add in the onions, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, corn, green beans, tomato sauce and beef broth.
- Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
- Serve the hot hobo casserole with bread or biscuits if desired. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what’s in your fridge.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, hot sauce or sour cream.
- Cook on low setting for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Stir in cooked pasta or rice to stretch this into more servings.
- Garnish bowls with shredded cheddar, scallions or bacon bits.
- For convenience, prep chopping a day in advance.
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing to maximize fridge life.
Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 410
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 29g
