Description
This Hobo Casserole is a comforting dish featuring ground beef, macaroni, and a variety of vegetables in a cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, delivering a hearty meal that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop.
- Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- 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 uncooked elbow macaroni and set it aside.
- Grate the cheddar cheese if you are using a block of cheese.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- 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 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the ground beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, corn, uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the macaroni for doneness. If it needs more time, continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare for baking.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the casserole and serve on individual plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes