Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delightful dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. This hearty casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening. Originating from the Great Depression era, hobo casseroles were a practical solution for families looking to stretch their ingredients while still providing a filling meal. The beauty of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to use whatever vegetables and seasonings you have on hand.
People love this dish for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy layers creates a symphony of taste that is both comforting and fulfilling. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a meal in advance. Join me as we explore the delightful world of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef and discover how easy it is to create this beloved classic in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Set them aside in a bowl.
- Open the cans of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and corn, and keep the diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Measure out the elbow macaroni and beef broth, and have the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper ready to use.
Cooking the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep the casserole from being greasy.
Combining the Ingredients
- After draining the fat, return the skillet to the heat and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, corn, and uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the macaroni to cook and absorb the flavors.
Final Touches
- After 15-20 minutes, check the macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If it needs more time, continue to simmer for a few more minutes.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt. This will create a delicious, gooey topping that everyone will love.
Serving the Hobo Casserole
- Once the cheese has melted, it’s time to serve! Use a large spoon to scoop out portions of the casserole into bowls or plates.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s hearty, filling, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Storage and Reheating
- If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash

Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family, then this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is an absolute must-try! This dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese, all baked together to create a deliciously satisfying casserole that warms the soul. Not only is it a fantastic way to use up ingredients you may already have on hand, but it also allows for endless customization to suit your taste preferences.
For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this casserole with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some spicy jalapeños for a kick or swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You could even make it vegetarian by using lentils or a mix of your favorite beans instead of meat. The possibilities are truly endless!
I encourage you to give this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef a try and make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, I’m confident you’ll find it to be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your finished dish. It’s always exciting to see how others interpret a recipe and make it their own.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Happy cooking!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: A Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe
This Hobo Casserole is a comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, macaroni, and a variety of vegetables simmered in a savory broth, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it's hearty, filling, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter.
- Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Set them aside in a bowl.
- Open the cans of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and corn, and keep the diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Measure out the elbow macaroni and beef broth, and have the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper ready to use.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- After draining the fat, return the skillet to the heat and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, corn, and uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If it needs more time, continue to simmer for a few more minutes.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese has melted, use a large spoon to scoop out portions of the casserole into bowls or plates.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.





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