Short Description

Crockpot Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese in a rich tomato base. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, this casserole is perfect for busy days when you desire a warm, satisfying meal without extensive preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Utilizes a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheese for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and children with its savory flavors.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: Flavors meld beautifully over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
Optional: chopped green onions for garnishFacebook

Directions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped green bell pepper, and undrained diced tomatoes.
Season: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes365 Jours de Cuisine Lent et Sous Pression+4Kitchen Divas+4The Country Cook+4Pinterest+5Recettes en Crockpot+5Kitchen Divas+5

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like corn, peas, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert into the slow cooker base and cook as directed.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef enhances flavor and texture, and helps remove excess fat. It’s recommended for the best results.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed, as frozen vegetables may cook faster.

What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal as they hold their shape well during slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables or use a plant-based meat substitute.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure all ingredients, especially canned tomatoes and spices, are certified gluten-free.

Can I add pasta to this casserole?

Yes, small pasta shapes can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add extra liquid if necessary.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with crusty bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

Ensure vegetables are not overly moist and avoid adding extra liquid unless necessary.

Conclusion

Crockpot Hobo Casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings together wholesome ingredients in a flavorful, comforting dish. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it a go-to recipe for busy days, ensuring a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

Crockpot Hobo Casserole

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Crockpot Hobo Casserole is a hearty, dump-and-go comfort food classic packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, peppers, and melty cheddar cheese. This slow cooker casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers all the cozy flavors of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Add cooked beef mixture to the bottom of the crockpot.
Layer potatoes, carrots, and green bell pepper over the beef.
Pour undrained diced tomatoes over the top.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
In the last 15–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, if desired

Notes

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Add a can of corn or green beans for extra veggies.
This dish is great served with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American