There’s something about the aroma of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef wafting through the kitchen that immediately transports me back to my childhood. The bubbling sounds as it cooks create a symphony of anticipation, and let’s not even talk about the cheesy, gooey goodness that greets you when you dive in. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, with flavors mingling together like old friends at a reunion.
Every time I make this dish, I can’t help but recall family gatherings where this casserole was the star, bringing everyone together around the table. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have your loved ones begging for seconds
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The savory blend of flavors creates a comforting dish that looks as good as it tastes
- It’s versatile enough to adapt based on your pantry staples or personal preferences
- Plus, leftovers are just as delightful, keeping the flavor alive for days
I remember the first time I served this to friends; their eyes lit up, and soon we were all digging in with gusto.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use 1 pound of lean ground beef to keep your casserole hearty without being greasy.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop finely to ensure even cooking and great flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Choose any color you love; they add crunch and vibrant color to your casserole.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes they bring moisture and flavor depth.
- Pasta: Any small pasta works well; I prefer elbows or shells for that nostalgic touch.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a must for melty goodness; feel free to mix in other types if desired
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs enhance the dish’s flavor profile beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Aromatics: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once it’s no longer pink, toss in chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften while releasing their sweet aroma.
Add in the Goodness: Next, stir in your canned tomatoes along with their juice. Mix everything together before adding cooked pasta this helps combine those fantastic flavors while keeping things nice and saucy.
Season Like You Mean It: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs across the mixture. Stir well so each bite will be bursting with flavor Let it simmer for about 5 minutes while you prepare for the cheesy finale.
Cheesy Heaven Awaits: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer everything into a greased baking dish; top generously with shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown around 20 minutes should do the trick
Serve Up Some Happiness: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese will be hot enough to melt hearts as well as mouths get ready for compliments
With simple steps and tasty ingredients combined into one cozy dish, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is bound to become a family favorite
You Must Know
- Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds while saving you time on cleanup
- Its delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen is worth every minute spent cooking
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Then, layer in the veggies and seasoning before baking it all together for a delightful combination of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have. Add spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick, or sprinkle cheese on top for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, ensuring you don’t lose that delicious flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef comes out perfectly, use lean beef to avoid excess grease
- Layer veggies like bell peppers and corn for added sweetness
- Don’t skip the cheese; it brings everything together beautifully
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for that first bite of comfort food bliss.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a lighter alternative with similar taste and texture.
What vegetables can I add to Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
Feel free to add carrots, green beans, or any veggies you enjoy for extra nutrition and flavor.
How long does Hobo Casserole Ground Beef take to bake?
Typically, it bakes for about 30-35 minutes at 350°F until everything is heated through and bubbly.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a nostalgic and hearty dish that brings families together around the dinner table. With its savory blend of lean ground beef, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups small pasta (elbows or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and cooked pasta, mixing well.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
