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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs - 1 cup cooked rice (or any leftover rice) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Hobo Ground Beef Casserole shines with its main ingredients. Ground beef gives this dish a hearty base. Chopped onion and minced garlic add depth. Frozen mixed vegetables bring color and nutrition. Diced tomatoes add moisture and flavor. Cooked rice helps bind the mix, giving it body. Italian seasoning and smoked paprika bring warmth and zest. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup crispy potato chips You can elevate the casserole with optional ingredients. Shredded cheddar cheese creates a creamy, cheesy layer on top. It melts beautifully, making every bite delightful. Crispy potato chips add a fun crunch. You can crush them and sprinkle them on top for a tasty finish. - Large skillet - 9x13 inch baking dish - Aluminum foil To make this dish, gather a few kitchen tools. A large skillet is essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables. A 9x13 inch baking dish holds all the tasty layers together. Aluminum foil is handy for covering the dish while it bakes, helping to lock in moisture. Having these tools ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help the casserole cook evenly. While the oven heats up, chop your onion and mince your garlic. These fresh items will add a nice flavor to the dish. Next, take a large skillet and add a bit of oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once it's warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it for about a minute until it smells great. Now it’s time to brown the ground beef. Add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook the beef for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. You want it to be fully cooked and no longer pink. Once the beef is browned, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes along with the juices. Then, mix in the cooked rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crunch, crush the potato chips and sprinkle them over the cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble nicely. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal! How to properly brown ground beef To brown ground beef well, use medium heat. Start with a hot skillet. Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Place the beef in the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Let it sit for a minute before stirring. This helps form a nice brown crust. Keep cooking until it is no longer pink. Choosing the right vegetables Frozen mixed vegetables work great in this dish. They save time and add flavor. Look for mixes that include carrots, corn, and peas. These add color and texture. If you prefer fresh veggies, feel free to use them. Just chop them up into small pieces. Make sure they cook through in the casserole. Presentation tips for the dish When serving, take the casserole right from the oven. A nice touch is to garnish with fresh parsley. This adds color and makes it look appealing. Use a big spoon to serve it warm. Ideal side dishes to accompany A fresh side salad pairs well with this dish. It adds crunch and freshness. You might also consider garlic bread. It soaks up the delicious sauce. Both options keep the meal balanced and tasty. Fixing if casserole is too dry If your casserole turns out too dry, add a splash of broth. Chicken or beef broth works well. You can also mix in a bit of tomato sauce. This will add moisture and flavor back into the dish. Adjusting flavors based on taste preferences Taste your casserole before serving. If it needs more flavor, add salt or pepper. You can also sprinkle in more Italian seasoning or smoked paprika. Remember, cooking is all about your taste. Don't hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your liking. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in your casserole, making it a healthier option without compromising flavor. Mix and Match Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition and taste. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile and added creaminess. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish easily. Ground turkey or chicken works great. These meats provide a lean option, making the casserole lighter. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly since they are leaner than beef. If you want a meat-free version, try using vegetarian protein. Options like lentils or plant-based crumbles are perfect. These substitutes add protein while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying. You can use many types of vegetables in this casserole. Seasonal veggies make it fresh and fun. Think about bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Each season offers its own bounty, so feel free to mix and match! Fresh vegetables add crispness, but frozen ones are easy and quick. They are often frozen at peak freshness. This means you can save time while still enjoying great flavor. Just make sure to thaw them a bit before cooking. Spices and herbs can really change the flavor. Adding garlic powder or chili flakes can give it a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add brightness. These small tweaks can make a big difference in taste. You can also incorporate sauces to boost flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of sour cream can work wonders. Toppings like crispy fried onions or extra cheese can add crunch and richness. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite combinations! To store leftovers safely, let the casserole cool first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This keeps the food fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Make sure to label the container with the date. For freezing, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easy thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 20-30 minutes. In the fridge, Hobo Ground Beef Casserole lasts about 3-4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Watch for changes in color, smell, or texture. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it. Enjoy your leftovers safely! You can use quinoa instead of rice. Quinoa adds protein and fiber. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb choice. It cooks fast and soaks up flavors well. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it, then cover and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven. This makes meal prep easy and quick on busy days. To make this dish healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers. Swap regular cheese for low-fat cheese. These changes cut calories while keeping the flavor high. This blog outlined a simple casserole recipe using ground beef, veggies, and seasonings. I shared tips on how to cook, bake, and store your dish. You learned how to customize it with optional ingredients and variations. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. With the right tools and steps, you can make a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Hobo Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, vegetables, and topped with cheese and crispy potato chips.
Print Recipe Pin 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 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
  • 1 cup cooked rice (or any leftover rice)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crispy potato chips (optional for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil over medium heat until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (with juices), rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • If using, crush the potato chips and sprinkle them over the cheese layer for an added crunch.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot straight from the baking dish, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Optionally, provide a side salad for added freshness.
Keyword casserole, easy dinner, ground beef