Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is a comforting, one-pot dish that evokes the warmth of family gatherings. This hearty casserole combines lean ground beef, savory tomatoes, and pasta, all topped with melted cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs for an irresistible finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this recipe is not only delicious but also customizable based on pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with herbs
- 2 cups short pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup water or broth
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, then stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and uncooked pasta. Pour in water or broth to cover; reduce heat and simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize by adding veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. For extra crunch, try topping with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.