If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this Easy Hobo Casserole is just the ticket. My friend Sarah used to make this for her family on busy weeknights, and it quickly became a favorite at our dinner table too. With ground beef and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to in our house and perfect for any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s super easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese.
- It’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
Pure Comfort
This casserole is pure comfort food. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender veggies, and gooey cheese will warm you right up. Plus, it’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table.
What You Need
- 1 1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – You can substitute with a shallot for a milder flavor.
- 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 1 1 cup bell peppers, diced – Any color works; feel free to mix them!
- 1 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Fire-roasted tomatoes add a nice flavor.
- 1 1 cup frozen corn – Fresh corn can be used if available.
- 1 1 tsp chili powder – Adjust for spice preference.
- 1 1 tsp salt – Use less if you’re watching your sodium.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is best.
- 2 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to use a cheese blend.
- 1 1 cup cooked rice – Quinoa or couscous can be a great substitute.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when ready.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This will get it nice and hot for your casserole.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s nicely browned and sizzling.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop.
Make It Perfect
- For a creamier texture, mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Add some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- This casserole is great for leftovers; just reheat in the microwave.
Mix It Up
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch.
- Pair with garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
- A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice tang.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well! Just cover it tightly and it can last up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or lentils are great alternatives.
What other veggies can I add?
You can add zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Hobo Casserole is a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to please the whole family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a hearty meal tonight!
Easy Hobo Casserole Fast Ground Beef Dinner for Any Night
Equipment
- Oven
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 large yellow onion diced; you can substitute with a shallot for a milder flavor
- 2 cloves garlic minced; garlic powder can work in a pinch
- 1 cup bell peppers diced; any color works; feel free to mix them
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes undrained; fire-roasted tomatoes add a nice flavor
- 1 cup frozen corn fresh corn can be used if available
- 1 tsp chili powder adjust for spice preference
- 1 tsp salt use less if watching sodium
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground is best
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese feel free to use a cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked rice quinoa or couscous can be a great substitute
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and black pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine the beef mixture with cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly; top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool a few minutes before serving.