Introduction
This Hearty Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food packed with savory ground beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a fuss-free, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you serve it with rice or pasta, this dish delivers a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked rice or pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice or pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Protein Swap – Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a heartier dish, crumbled sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken can add a different depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Variety – Customize your casserole by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. If using fresh vegetables, sauté them with the onions for enhanced flavor before baking.
- Cheese Choices – While cheddar cheese adds a rich, sharp taste, you can swap it for mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. A combination of cheeses also works great for extra indulgence.
Cooking Notes
- Swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it lower carb, replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Crisp Salad – Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad, such as a simple romaine and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the dish.
- With a Side of Bread – Pair with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- As a Meal Prep Option – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Store individual portions in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Tips
- Boost the Flavor – Add a splash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a dash of soy sauce for an extra layer of depth. Worcestershire sauce is already in the recipe, but a little extra seasoning can elevate the dish even further.
- Making It Ahead – This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal prep work.
- Freezing for Later – To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven as directed. If baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. -
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. -
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for gluten-free pasta or use cooked rice. Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based ingredients.
Conclusion
This Hearty Hobo Casserole is the perfect family-friendly dish that’s easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy gathering, this one-pot wonder is sure to be a hit. Customize it to your liking with different vegetables, proteins, and cheeses, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Print
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hearty Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food packed with savory ground beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a fuss-free, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you serve it with rice or pasta, this dish delivers a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked rice or pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice or pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it lower carb, replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, one-pot meal, cheesy casserole, baked dinner, easy comfort food, kid-friendly meal