🏕️ Hobo Casserole Recipe – A Hearty, One-Pan Campfire Classic Made Easy at Home 🔥🥔

If you’ve ever experienced camping, you might be familiar with the classic “hobo” meals – simple, hearty, and cooked over an open fire with minimal fuss. Among these, Hobo Casserole stands out as a one-pan wonder that fills your belly and warms your soul. Traditionally cooked wrapped in foil over hot coals, this dish can also be easily recreated in your kitchen, turning your home into a cozy campsite. Let’s dive into making this comforting, flavorful dish step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a classic hobo casserole that serves 4–6, gather the following:

500 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey – you can also use sausage or a vegetarian alternative
4 medium potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 medium carrots, sliced thin
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a campfire flavor)
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
½ cup beef or vegetable broth

Optional toppings for serving: chopped parsley, hot sauce, or sour cream.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing and dicing all the vegetables. Cutting the potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for a flavor-packed base.

2. Cook the Meat

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef (or meat of choice) and cook until browned. Break it up with a spatula for even cooking. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.