There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty casserole, like a big hug from the kitchen! Let me tell you, one of my absolute favorites to whip up is the **Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef**. This delightful dish brings back so many memories of family gatherings, where everyone would excitedly dig in. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
What I love most about this casserole is its simplicity and versatility. It’s the perfect “clean out the fridge” meal; you can toss in whatever vegetables or pasta you have lying around. Plus, it’s kid-friendly. Seriously, even my pickiest eater begs for seconds!
Now, let’s dive into what makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
What’s in The Best Hobo Casserole?
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show, providing a rich and savory base. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it lighter and healthier.
Onion: Chopped onions add a lovely depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish as they cook down.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: I love the convenience of frozen veggies—peas, carrots, and corn are my go-tos. They add color and nutrition without any fuss!
Cooked Pasta: I usually opt for egg noodles or macaroni, but really, any pasta will do! This adds those hearty carbs we all crave.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The secret ingredient for creaminess! It ties everything together and adds a wonderful mushroomy flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because what’s a casserole without cheese, right? It adds that gooey, delicious finish on top.
Beef Broth: For added moisture and richness, beef broth is an essential.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the flavors beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Just a little seasoning goes a long way in bringing all those flavors to life.
Italian Seasoning (optional): A dash of herbs for those who want to take it up a notch.
Additional Shredded Cheese (optional): If you’re like me and can’t resist more cheese, then this is for you!
Is The Best Hobo Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about whether this dish is a healthy choice. The good news is that it’s packed with wholesome ingredients!
– **Ground Beef:** This provides a solid dose of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Opt for lean cuts to keep the fat content lower.
– **Frozen Mixed Vegetables:** They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can even sneak in some extra greens if you like!
– **Pasta:** While pasta is a source of carbohydrates, it’s great for energy. Whole wheat pasta can be a healthier alternative if you want more fiber.
– **Cheese:** A source of calcium, but remember moderation is key since we don’t want to overdo the calories.
Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Overall, I’d say this casserole can fit well into a balanced diet—plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients for The Best Hobo Casserole
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 3 cups cooked pasta (such as egg noodles or macaroni)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tsp Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
– Optional: Additional shredded cheese for topping
*Serves: 6-8 people*
How to Make The Best Hobo Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) thinking of the cozy smells that are about to fill your kitchen!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender—don’t forget to drain any excess grease!
3. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, as well as the Italian seasoning if you’ve chosen to use it. Mix it all together until well combined.
4. Pour this glorious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top it all off by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Yum!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly—your kitchen is sure to smell heavenly by now!
7. If you want to add even more cheese (why wouldn’t you?), sprinkle on additional shredded cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
8. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the wait is so worth it!
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s have some fun with this recipe! This casserole is super customizable. Want to sneak in a different veggie? Go for it! Spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli can work wonders.
Feeling fancy? Add some spices or hot sauce for an extra kick.
And for serving, a fresh, crispy side salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully. You can even serve it on top of a bed of greens for a lighter option.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe. It’s truly a cozy, delicious meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights or a potluck gathering! Let me know how it turns out and if you whip up any fun variations of your own! Happy cooking!
