Hobo Beef Casserole Extravaganza

$- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped for garnish For Hobo Beef Casserole, I love using fresh, quality ingredients. Ground beef forms the base and adds rich flavor. I always choose lean ground beef to keep it healthy. The diced onion and minced garlic brighten the dish and create a lovely aroma as they cook. Canned goods like kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and corn provide texture and bulk. They make this dish easy and quick. I often use frozen corn, as it’s just as tasty and convenient. The elbow macaroni adds heartiness to every bite. Spices play a crucial role here. Chili powder gives warmth, while ground cumin adds a nice depth. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, making each bite delicious. For toppings, I recommend a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese for that gooey, melty goodness. Fresh cilantro or parsley on top not only looks nice but also adds a pop of flavor. These ingredients come together to make a cozy, hearty meal that warms your heart. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. 3. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Be sure to keep the tasty bits in the skillet. 1. Next, add 1 cup of finely diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and see-through. 2. Now, stir in 1 can of rinsed kidney beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni. 3. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth. Season with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined. 1. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors. 2. Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. 4. After 25 minutes, take off the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. 5. Put it back in the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble. 6. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright touch. To perfectly brown ground beef, use medium-high heat. This helps the meat sear well. Break it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook until it's brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, but leave the tasty bits in the pan. This adds flavor to your dish. For even cooking, make sure to stir the casserole as it bakes. This helps distribute heat. Also, cover the dish with foil while baking. This keeps moisture in. Remove the foil near the end to let the cheese brown. To give your hobo beef casserole a kick, try adding more spices. Extra chili powder can heat things up. You can also add paprika or cayenne pepper for a new twist. Just a pinch can change the flavor profile! Consider incorporating different beans or veggies. You could swap kidney beans for black beans. Adding bell peppers or zucchini can boost nutrition and flavor. Mix it up based on your preferences! For side dishes, a simple green salad pairs well. It adds freshness to the hearty casserole. You can also serve warm bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. When serving, you can present the casserole right from the baking dish. This creates a rustic look. If you want to impress, scoop portions onto individual plates. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top for color and taste! Pro Tips Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the casserole while still keeping it flavorful. Vegetable Boost: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist on flavor. Make Ahead: This casserole can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge and bake when ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can easily change the main protein in this dish. Try using ground turkey for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. For pasta, elbow macaroni is great, but you may use rotini or penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Different shapes can add fun to your meal. If you need to make it gluten-free, swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also check that your beef broth is gluten-free. For low-sodium versions, use low-sodium beef broth and skip extra salt. Taste as you go to find the right balance. You can still enjoy the rich flavors without too much salt. You can change the flavor of this casserole to match your mood. For a Southwest twist, add some jalapeños or replace the cheese with pepper jack. If you lean toward Italian flavors, consider adding Italian seasoning or diced bell peppers. You might also sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top. With these small changes, you can create a whole new dish from the same base recipe. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. If you want to save space, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab what you need later. Yes, you can freeze the casserole! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. For reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. In the fridge, Hobo Beef Casserole lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage. Look for off smells or a change in texture. If anything seems off, it's best to toss it. Hobo beef casserole is a hearty dish made with ground beef, beans, and pasta. It has roots in the Great Depression when cooks used simple, affordable ingredients. This dish reflects the idea of comfort food, made to feed many with little effort. The mix of flavors creates a filling meal that warms the soul. Yes, you can make hobo beef casserole ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. - Cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. - Store it in the fridge for up to two days. - When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. You can check for doneness in a few easy ways: - Look for bubbling edges and melted cheese on top. - Insert a knife or fork into the center; it should come out hot. - The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). These signs mean your hobo beef casserole is ready to enjoy! This blog post covered the essentials for making a delicious hobo beef casserole. We explored key ingredients like ground beef, spices, and tasty toppings. You learned step-by-step instructions to bake the perfect dish. I shared tips on improving flavors and suggested variations to suit different diets. Lastly, we discussed how to store leftovers properly. Make this recipe your own! Enjoy the process and share it with others. Your family will love it!$

Hobo Beef Casserole Extravaganza

A hearty and flavorful casserole combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and macaroni, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking later on.
In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat, but keep the flavorful bits in the skillet for added taste.
Into the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the aroma.
Now, stir in the rinsed kidney beans, the can of diced tomatoes (along with their juices), sweet corn, uncooked elbow macaroni, and the beef broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine all the vibrant flavors.
Increase the heat slightly and allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld wonderfully.
Carefully transfer the entire beef and macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire surface of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling with excitement.
Once everything is bubbly and inviting, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for that pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or portion onto individual plates. Pair with a simple green salad.

Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, one-pot meal