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To make Easy Hobo Ground Beef Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 2 cups mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots) - 2 cups cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped These ingredients work great together. The ground beef offers a hearty base. Diced tomatoes add moisture and flavor. Mixed vegetables bring in color and nutrients. You can use cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb option. The spices, like oregano and paprika, enhance the dish. They add warmth and depth. Cheddar cheese on top creates a perfect golden crust. When you prepare this dish, make sure to use fresh parsley. It adds a burst of freshness and color. This simple yet delicious recipe is a perfect choice for a family dinner. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the casserole evenly. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Heat it over medium heat. Once the meat starts to brown, add a finely diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. Now, it’s time to make the dish come together. Add a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Next, toss in 2 cups of mixed vegetables like corn, peas, and carrots. Follow this with 2 cups of cooked rice. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the beef and vegetable mix into the dish, spreading it evenly. Take 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it generously over the top of the casserole. Make sure the cheese covers the mixture well, creating that delicious, melty layer. - Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. - Uncover and Finish Baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden. When done, take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. You can serve it straight from the dish or plate it up for a nice presentation. Enjoy! To make a great casserole, keep a few tips in mind. First, always brown your meat well. This adds flavor and depth. Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking. Stir the meat often to avoid burning. Next, mix the ingredients thoroughly. This helps each bite taste great. Finally, don't skip the cheese! It adds creaminess and a nice texture. Soggy rice can ruin your casserole. To prevent this, make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it. If you use leftover rice, let it cool first. You can also avoid sogginess by not adding too much liquid. The canned tomatoes have juice, so drain a bit if needed. This keeps the rice fluffy and perfect. This casserole pairs well with simple sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. You might serve steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. If you want something warm, garlic bread is a tasty choice. Each of these sides complements the flavors of your casserole. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef is browned thoroughly to develop a rich flavor. Don't rush this step; letting it brown properly enhances the overall taste of the casserole. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables! This recipe is versatile, so you can use bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever you have on hand. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist. Try using mozzarella for a stretchier texture or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it! {{image_4}} You can make this casserole low-carb with a simple swap. Instead of regular rice, use cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice has fewer carbs and gives a similar texture. Just cook it lightly before adding it to the mix. You can also use zucchini or spaghetti squash as a base. Both options work well and add unique flavors. To create a vegetarian hobo casserole, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans. Black beans or kidney beans work great. Add extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for more flavor. You can also use lentils for a protein boost. This version is hearty and full of nutrients. Cheese is key for flavor. While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment. You can use mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack for heat. Feta cheese adds a nice tang, while gouda gives a smoky flavor. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste profile that suits your family's preference. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label it with a date. This way, you know when to eat it. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it is hot. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it in the oven or microwave. Yes, you can use other types of meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. Each meat gives a unique flavor. Just ensure you cook it until it is no longer pink. This keeps your dish safe and tasty. This casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and let it sit for 20 minutes. This helps with even cooking. You can add or replace many vegetables in this casserole. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans work great. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience. Just make sure they are chopped into small pieces for even cooking. To spice up this casserole, try adding chili powder or cumin. You can also mix in some hot sauce or pepper flakes. For a fresh kick, add chopped jalapeños or green onions. Adjust the spices to fit your taste! This casserole combines simple ingredients for a tasty meal. We discussed every step, from browning the meat to baking. You learned tips to perfect it, various versions, and how to store leftovers. Feel free to swap ingredients to fit your taste. This dish is easy, versatile, and fun to make. Try it for your next meal, and enjoy the smiles it brings. Cooking can bring joy and fill your home with warmth. Happy cooking!

Hearty Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A comforting and filling casserole made with ground beef, vegetables, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, and carrots)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Once it begins to brown, incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, and the onions become translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • To the skillet, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), mixed vegetables, cooked rice, dried oregano, paprika, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the beef and vegetable mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the mixture evenly.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has turned a lovely golden color.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish or portion onto individual plates. Garnish with parsley for added flair.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef