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

When it comes to campfire cooking, few dishes capture the spirit of outdoor adventure like the classic Hobo Casserole. This hearty, all-in-one meal combines tender meat, savory vegetables, and creamy potatoes in a way that’s easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for both camping trips and cozy nights at home. Today, we’re bringing this rustic favorite into your kitchen with a simple, step-by-step method that keeps all the flavor and none of the fuss.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients. This recipe serves 4–6 people:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas and corn mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing, peeling, and dicing your potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. This prep work ensures that every element cooks evenly and melds perfectly in the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the meat. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This step builds the base flavor for the casserole.