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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell peppers, diced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs - 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa) - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 cup shredded cheese For this dish, I love using fresh ingredients. The ground beef is the heart of the casserole. It gives a rich flavor. I choose lean beef to keep it lighter. Onions and garlic add a wonderful aroma. They make the base taste great. Bell peppers bring color and crunch. I often use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a fun look. The diced tomatoes add moisture. Their herbs give a nice boost to the dish. Using cooked rice or quinoa makes it hearty. Quinoa is a fun twist for a nutty taste. Kidney beans add protein and fiber. They balance the meal and make it filling. Worcestershire sauce ties everything together with its rich flavor. Finally, cheese brings creaminess and a golden top. Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a warm, delicious meal that your family will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. 2. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. You can use cooking spray or a bit of oil to stop sticking. 3. In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. 4. If there’s excess fat, drain it. You want the dish to stay light and tasty. 5. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is clear and fragrant. 6. Mix in 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 2 cups of cooked rice (or quinoa), and 1 can of drained kidney beans. 7. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything is well mixed and hot. 1. Carefully transfer the beef mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly for even cooking. 2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Make sure it covers all areas for that nice, melty goodness. 3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to let the flavors blend. 4. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. 1. Once the casserole is done, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and cool a bit. 2. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds a nice touch and some color. How to properly drain ground beef To drain ground beef, cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Once it browns, tilt the skillet to let the fat flow to one side. Use a spoon to scoop out the fat or pour it into a bowl. Be careful not to lose any meat. Draining helps keep your casserole from being greasy. Best ways to ensure even cooking To ensure even cooking, spread the beef mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Use a spatula to press it down gently. This helps all parts cook at the same rate. Also, make sure your oven is preheated before baking. This simple trick keeps your dish from being uneven. Presentation ideas for serving You can serve the casserole straight from the dish for a cozy feel. For a fancier look, use a spatula to scoop portions onto plates. Sprinkle some parsley on top for color. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish pop. Pairing options for a complete meal Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad. A simple side of steamed veggies works well too. You can even add some warm bread to soak up the flavors. These sides make your meal more balanced and filling. Types of cheese to use Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices for this casserole. They melt well and add rich flavor. You can also try a blend for more taste. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique twist. How to achieve the best melting cheese To get the best melt, add the cheese when the casserole is hot. Spread it evenly across the top. Covering it with foil while baking keeps moisture in. This helps the cheese melt perfectly and get bubbly. Pro Tips Cook the Beef Thoroughly: Make sure to brown the ground beef well to enhance the flavor and achieve a perfect texture. This step builds a solid foundation for your casserole. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms. This not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the flavor profile. Layering Cheese: For extra cheesiness, consider adding a layer of cheese in the middle of the mixture before topping it. This creates delicious cheesy pockets throughout the casserole. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it. {{image_4}} You can switch rice for quinoa. Quinoa adds a nice texture and boosts protein. It cooks quickly and fits well in this dish. You can also use different beans. Try black beans or pinto beans for a change. Each bean brings its own flavor to the casserole. To boost flavor, add spices or herbs. A teaspoon of paprika gives a warm taste. You might like fresh herbs like basil or thyme. If you want a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes. They will give your casserole a tasty heat. For vegetarian or vegan options, use lentils or mushrooms. Both add depth without meat. Swap cheese for a plant-based version to keep it vegan. If you need gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free grains. Quinoa is a great pick here. These changes keep the meal delicious and friendly for all diets. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best results, use glass or plastic containers. They seal well and are easy to stack. When reheating, keep the texture nice. Use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, place a portion on a plate. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking often. Make sure it is hot all the way through. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If you freeze it before, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Bake it straight from the freezer when you’re ready. It may take 1.5 hours at 375°F (190°C). If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. Defrost it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as you would with leftovers. How long can I store the casserole in the fridge? You can store the casserole in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it and then store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you are ready to eat. What can I serve with hobo ground beef casserole? I love serving this casserole with a simple green salad. You can also add some crusty bread for a nice crunch. Why is my casserole watery? Your casserole may be watery if you use too many liquid ingredients. Drain canned tomatoes well. You can also cook rice properly before mixing it in. How can I make it less greasy? To make the casserole less greasy, drain the fat after browning the beef. You can also use leaner ground beef. Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn. Just chop them small so they cook well. Is it safe to use frozen ingredients? Yes, it is safe to use frozen ingredients. Just thaw them first. This ensures they mix well and cook evenly in the casserole. This blog post covered how to make a tasty hobo ground beef casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to customize the dish and store leftovers effectively. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors and variations. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the delicious meals you create!

Homestyle Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with herbs (15 oz)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being too greasy.
  • Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Mix in the diced bell peppers, the entire can of diced tomatoes (juices included), cooked rice (or quinoa), kidney beans, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
  • Carefully transfer the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture, making sure to cover all areas for that melty, cheesy goodness.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • After the initial baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to become bubbly and develop a golden-brown color.
  • Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
  • Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and an herbaceous note that complements the dish beautifully.

Notes

Serve directly from the casserole dish for a rustic feel, or portion onto plates and add a sprinkle of extra parsley for an elegant touch.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef