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Hobo Casserole brings comfort and flavor together in one dish. To make it, you need simple ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient adds its own special touch. Ground beef gives it a hearty base. Black beans pack in protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes add a zesty kick. Corn brings sweetness and color. Onion and garlic boost the flavor. Cheddar cheese melts perfectly on top. Elbow macaroni adds a nice texture. Beef broth keeps everything moist. Chili powder and cumin bring warmth and depth. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Don't forget the parsley for a fresh finish! Gather these ingredients, and let's create a dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven and cooking ground beef Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, place 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until it turns brown. Break it apart as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. 2. Sautéing onions and garlic Next, add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir them in and let them sauté until the onion is clear. This adds great flavor to your dish. 3. Combining ingredients and transferring to casserole dish Now it’s time to mix things up! Add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, turn off the heat. Carefully transfer everything into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. 1. Covering and baking the casserole Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the pasta soften. 2. Adding cheese and final baking After 25 minutes, take the foil off. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven without the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble. 3. Allowing to rest before serving When your casserole is done, remove it from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps everything set. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. - Best practices for browning ground beef: Start with a hot skillet. This helps the meat brown nicely. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. This way, it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat after browning. This keeps your dish from being greasy. - Ensuring even cooking for pasta: Use uncooked elbow macaroni directly in your mix. This way, it absorbs flavors as it cooks. Make sure you have enough beef broth. This will help the pasta cook well and stay tender. - Optimal seasoning suggestions: Season your mix with chili powder and cumin. Start with the amounts in the recipe. You can always add more if you like it spicy. Taste your mix before baking. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your flavor. - Pairing with sides: Hobo Casserole is hearty on its own. However, a simple green salad pairs well. You might also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. This adds a nice touch to the meal. - Garnishing options for presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes your dish pop. It adds color and a hint of freshness. You can also add extra cheese on top before serving. It looks great and tastes even better! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, making the casserole healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize Your Beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans based on your preference or what you have on hand. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor; just chop them small to blend well. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out ingredients in Hobo Casserole to fit your needs. If you want a lighter dish, use turkey instead of ground beef. Ground turkey provides lean protein and still tastes great. You can also try a vegetarian option. Use plant-based ground meat or extra beans for a hearty meal. For beans, black beans work well, but you can use pinto or kidney beans too. They add different tastes and textures. Feel free to add more veggies as well. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach blend nicely in this dish. When it comes to cheese, cheddar is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. To bring out more flavor, add spices or sauces. A dash of hot sauce can spice things up. You can also mix in some smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Experiment with other spices like oregano or thyme to find the perfect mix for your taste. Layering flavors is key. Before baking, try adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. They brighten up the dish and add freshness. You can also top the casserole with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish. Each small change makes this dish even more delicious and fun to make! To keep your Hobo Casserole fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. You can also use glass containers for storage. They are great because they do not stain. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing. Just make sure you label containers with the date. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake it for about 20 minutes or until it is hot. If you use the microwave, heat it in short intervals. Start with one minute and stir, then check again. To keep the texture nice, avoid overheating. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating. This will help maintain the flavors and prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your warm and cozy meal! Yes, you can make Hobo Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, bake it at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. This way, you save time on busy nights. Hobo Casserole pairs well with simple sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad. Some crusty bread also works great to soak up the sauce. If you want a crunchy bite, try tortilla chips or garlic bread. These options complete your meal and add variety. Freezing Hobo Casserole is easy. First, let it cool completely after baking. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven until hot. This blog post covered how to make Hobo Casserole. We looked at the key ingredients, like ground beef, black beans, and elbow macaroni. Then, I shared how to prepare, bake, and serve this dish. Tips and variations can help you personalize your casserole. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating advice for leftovers. With these steps, you can enjoy a tasty meal any day. Try it out and make it your own!

Hobo Casserole Delight

A hearty and comforting casserole packed with ground beef, beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), corn, uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and transfer everything to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword beef, casserole, easy meal