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+ servings

Hobo Casserole (Potato Base)

A hearty, one-pot skillet stew featuring ground beef, robust beans, and tender diced potatoes, all simmered together in a rich beef broth and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Casserole, main dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Meat & Base
  • 1 pound Ground Beef 500 g
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
Vegetables & Starch
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes 15 ounces, undrained
  • 1 can Kidney Beans 15 ounces, drained & rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn frozen or canned
  • 3 medium Potatoes approx. 3 cups, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
Liquid & Seasoning
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • To taste Salt and Pepper
Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Pot (heavy-bottomed)

Method
 

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Dice the 3 medium potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch or 1-1.5 cm). Make sure to drain and thoroughly rinse the kidney beans.
  2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned (5-7). Drain any excess fat. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together until the onion becomes translucent (3-4).
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Now, stir in the diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth, and sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 25–35. Remember to stir occasionally (every 10 minutes or so).
  4. After the cooking time is up, test the potatoes for tenderness. If they are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes (without heat) to allow the residual warmth to melt the cheese until it's gooey. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSodium: 800mg

Notes

This recipe is highly versatile; try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor, or substitute the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a smoky kick.

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