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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup onion, 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 or frozen) - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish For this recipe, accuracy matters. Each ingredient has a specific role. - I use 1 pound of ground beef for a rich taste. - One cup of diced onion adds sweetness. - Two cloves of minced garlic give a nice kick. - The kidney beans add protein and fiber. - The diced tomatoes with chilies bring heat and moisture. - Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and texture. - One cup of uncooked macaroni makes it hearty. - Two cups of beef broth keep it moist. - Chili powder and cumin add depth. - Salt and pepper balance the flavors. - Finally, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese tops it off perfectly. You can boost the dish with some extras. Here are a few ideas: - Add one chopped bell pepper for more color and crunch. - A teaspoon of smoked paprika gives a nice smoky touch. - Toss in some fresh jalapeños for heat. - For a touch of sweetness, mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar. - You can swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack for a creamier finish. These options let you make the dish your own. Enjoy creating your perfect hobo beef casserole! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Grab a large skillet and put it on medium-high heat. You’ll want to cook the ground beef in this skillet. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until it is nicely browned. Drain any fat that gathers in the pan. Next, add 1 cup of diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Now, mix in 1 can of rinsed kidney beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 cup of corn. Add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni and 2 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and some salt and pepper. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. Now it's time to put everything together. Pour the beef and macaroni mix into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble up. Once it is done, let the dish cool for a few minutes. You can then garnish it with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty hobo beef casserole! When cooking ground beef, always start with a hot pan. This helps brown the meat evenly. Break the beef apart as it cooks. Use a wooden spoon for this task. Drain excess fat after browning. This keeps your dish from being greasy. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. This builds flavor right from the start. To get that gooey, melted cheese topping, use shredded cheese. Shredded cheese melts better than slices. Add the cheese towards the end of baking. This keeps it from burning. Bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This makes serving easier and ensures it holds its shape. To boost the flavors in your casserole, try adding herbs. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a bright touch. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños. Consider using different beans for variety, like black beans or pinto beans. A splash of lime juice just before serving gives it a fresh kick. All these tips can make your Hobo Beef Casserole even more delicious! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean ground beef will reduce the amount of grease in your casserole, making it healthier and allowing the other flavors to shine. Mix in Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to increase the nutritional value and add more texture. Customize the Spices: Adjust the chili powder and cumin according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat! Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This will help it set and make it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version. Replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This swap keeps the dish hearty and filling. You can also add extra beans or chickpeas for protein. Do you have food allergies? You can make simple swaps to fit your needs. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. If you need gluten-free, swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Ensure to check labels for safe ingredients. This way, everyone at the table can enjoy the meal. Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a mild version, skip the chili powder. You can also use sweet bell peppers instead. Adjust spices based on what your family likes best. Make it fun to explore flavors! After enjoying your Hobo Beef Casserole, let it cool down first. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the date on the container. This way, you know when to eat it. To reheat, take a serving from the fridge. Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat it on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If you prefer the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Check that it’s hot all the way through. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the casserole into smaller containers. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. Label each container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can serve a salad or garlic bread with Hobo Beef Casserole. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. You can also pair it with cornbread for a sweet touch. If you want something light, try steamed veggies. They balance the rich casserole well. Yes, you can make Hobo Beef Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole, but do not bake it. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just pop it in the oven. This saves time on busy nights. To make Hobo Beef Casserole gluten-free, swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. You can find many brands that taste great. Check the beef broth to ensure it is gluten-free as well. With these changes, you can enjoy this dish safely. This blog post covered everything you need for a great Hobo Beef Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients and easy steps to make it. We also explored helpful tips to cook beef and get that cheese just right. You can try different versions, like vegetarian or spicy. Finally, I shared how to store and reheat leftovers. Making this dish can be fun and simple. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Hobo Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and macaroni, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), corn, uncooked macaroni, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Transfer the beef and macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food