Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables, drained - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup beef broth - 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, shells, or any shaped pasta) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can switch the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use meat substitutes like lentils or mushrooms. If you want a healthier twist, try quinoa or beans. For the cream of mushroom soup, consider making your own. You can blend mushrooms with broth and cream for a fresh taste. If you want more variety, use other soups like cream of chicken or celery. For pasta, feel free to switch it up. Any cooked pasta works well, like penne or fusilli. You can even use rice if you prefer. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until they turn soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. - Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure it gets brown and fully cooked. Drain any fat from the skillet. - Stir in 1 can of mixed vegetables, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of beef broth. Add 2 cups of cooked pasta and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until it looks well combined. - Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out so it is even. - Top it with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese for a tasty crunch. - Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check to see if it is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. To make your ground beef full of flavor, you can start by seasoning early. When you brown the beef, add a pinch of salt and pepper right away. This helps the meat absorb the flavors. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for a nice touch. To get the perfect cheese topping, use fresh shredded cheddar cheese. Pack it on top of the casserole before baking. This gives it a nice melt and golden color. If you want extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with a little olive oil. Sprinkle this on top before baking. For side dishes, I recommend a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. These add color and texture to your meal. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the tasty sauce. When you serve the casserole, use deep bowls. This keeps it warm and allows you to see the layers. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. You can prepare this casserole in advance for busy days. Cook the beef and mix it with the other ingredients. Store this mixture in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, just transfer it to the baking dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs. For freezing, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. If it’s thawed, it will take about 30 minutes. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and reduced grease. If you prefer a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it the next day for an easy, ready-to-eat meal. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is great, try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change this dish by adding different vegetables. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn. These additions boost flavor and nutrition. You can also switch up the cheese. Instead of cheddar, use mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist. These swaps keep the recipe fresh and exciting. Herbs and spices can change the taste of your casserole. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, or even cumin for a new flavor. You can also explore different sauces. Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken or a tomato-based sauce. These changes let you customize the dish to your taste. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. For vegetarian or vegan adaptations, swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms. Use a plant-based cream soup too. These options make the casserole friendly for different diets. To keep your Hobo Ground Beef Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. If you have a large portion, cut it into smaller pieces. This way, it cools faster and is easy to grab later. For freezing, let the casserole cool completely before packing. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. This helps keep track of how long it has been frozen. In the fridge, your casserole will last about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it stays good for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or texture. If it smells off, it's time to toss it. Safety first! When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover with foil. This keeps it from drying out. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. For quick reheating, the microwave works too. Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. If you want to refresh your leftovers, add a little extra cheese on top before reheating. This gives it a nice melty finish! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Cook the beef and mix in the other ingredients. Then, store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to eat. What can I serve with Hobo Ground Beef Casserole? This casserole pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it with steamed veggies. Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup, or can I use something else? You can use other soups, like cream of chicken or even homemade sauces. This gives you some flexibility in flavor. What’s the best way to ensure the beef stays moist? Cook the ground beef just until it's browned. Don’t overcook it. Adding beef broth also helps keep it moist and adds great flavor. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out during baking? Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and keeps it moist. Remove the foil later to get a nice, golden top. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned? Yes, fresh veggies can work well. Chop them up and add them in the same way. Just make sure they are tender before mixing them in. What can I use instead of cheddar cheese? You can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you like. Each will give a different taste to the casserole. This blog post covered everything about making a tasty Hobo Ground Beef Casserole. We discussed the key ingredients, how to prep and cook, storage tips, and ways to customize the dish. Now you have the tools to create a meal that is both hearty and simple. Remember, cooking can be fun and flexible. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients and variations. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy cooking!$

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and pasta, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, shells, or any shaped pasta)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle this over the cheese layer for added crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley for color, and perhaps a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef