Go Back
To make Cheesy Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, gather these items: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, corn) - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can add these fun garnishes for extra flavor: - Sour cream - Fresh cilantro Each serving of this dish offers: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 10g To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables - 2 cups cooked rice - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, which takes about 7-8 minutes. Season the beef with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This adds a rich flavor. Once the beef is cooked, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for 5 more minutes until heated through. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix well to distribute the cheese evenly. Now, fold the beef mixture into the rice and cheese mixture. Make sure everything is combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese with a golden brown color. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy delight! You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. This change cuts fat and adds protein. Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. You can also add fresh spinach for extra greens. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans work well too. For cheese, mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick. Start with a hot skillet to get a good sear on the beef. This step adds flavor and texture. Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid a soggy casserole. Stir often when cooking the veggies for even cooking. Layering the cheese on top gives a nice, gooey finish. Serve the casserole hot from the oven for the best taste. Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor. Try pairing it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve it in individual bowls for each guest. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of ground beef, use 1 pound of lentils or black beans. Both options add great texture and flavor. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. These will fill out the casserole and keep it hearty. Cook the lentils first if you choose them. They should be tender before mixing them in with the other ingredients. For a spicy kick, add a few jalapeños or diced green chilies. Mixing in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce can also heat things up. Adjust the spice level based on your taste buds. If you like it hot, don't hold back! Spice brings the flavors alive, making every bite exciting. Cheese is key to this recipe. While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can mix it up! Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smoky flavor. You might also consider a blend of cheeses. Combining cream cheese with your favorite shredded cheeses can create a creamy texture. Get creative with your cheese choices for a fun flavor adventure! After enjoying your Cheesy Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep the leftovers. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps avoid confusion later. To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you're in a hurry, you can reheat slices in the microwave. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth. You can freeze this casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare all the steps up to baking. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for one to two days. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This casserole pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a side of steamed veggies for added nutrition. For a fun twist, try some pickled jalapeños on the side for those who like heat. You can customize this casserole in many ways. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Use different beans, like kidney or pinto beans, for a unique flavor. Feel free to add spices like cumin or Italian herbs for more depth. You can also change the cheese; try pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist. This blog post provides a clear guide for making a Cheesy Hobo Ground Beef Casserole. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Remember, this recipe is simple and can be changed to fit your taste. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious dish everyone will love. Enjoy cooking and make this casserole your own!

Cheesy Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

Discover the ultimate Cheesy Hobo Ground Beef Casserole that will delight your family and friends! This hearty dish blends ground beef, veggies, and two types of cheese, making it the perfect comfort food. With easy-to-follow steps, prepare a delicious meal in just 50 minutes. Ready to impress? Click through for the full recipe and tips to elevate your casserole presentation!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (choose red or green), diced

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

2 cups cooked rice (either white or brown)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sour cream and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing them together for about 5 minutes until they are softened and translucent.

      Incorporate the minced garlic into the mixture and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is aromatic.

        Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spoon to break it apart. Cook until it is browned throughout, approximately 7-8 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavors.

          Once the beef is well-cooked, fold in the drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes or until everything is heated through.

            In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.

              Gently fold the beef and vegetable mixture into the rice and cheese mixture until everything is well incorporated.

                Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese, sprinkling it generously over the surface.

                  Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

                    After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and has developed a golden-brown color.

                      Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

                        - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole while it’s still hot. Enhance its visual appeal by garnishing each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch. For an extra charming presentation, consider plating it in individual portions on colorful dishes.