Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is one of those classic comfort dishes that brings me right back to my childhood dinner table. This hearty, budget-friendly meal combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato-mushroom sauce that bakes into pure comfort food heaven. I’ve been making this simple casserole for years, and it never fails to satisfy hungry appetites.

I still remember the first time my mom made this for our family on a cold weeknight. The aroma of beef browning with onions and garlic filled our kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. What makes Hobo Casserole Ground Beef so special is its no-fuss approach to dinner. You brown the meat, mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and dinner is ready. It’s the kind of recipe that busy families count on when time is short but everyone’s craving something warm and filling. Plus, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this ground beef casserole proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

What You’ll Need to Make This Hobo Casserole

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients for the best results. I always use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe because the slight fat content keeps everything moist and flavorful. Pro tip: if you prefer leaner meat, just add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the casserole from drying out during baking.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

My personal recommendation: I prefer sharp cheddar cheese for that extra tangy flavor, but mild cheddar works beautifully too if you’re feeding picky eaters. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with shells or rotini for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can work efficiently and avoid common mistakes. This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef comes together quickly once you begin.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your casserole goes in.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns. You’ll know it’s ready when no pink remains and the onions turn translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until you smell that wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Drain off excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to prevent your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef from becoming greasy. I tip the pan slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat.

Step 4: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce should look smooth and combined.

Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the skillet and stir well to coat every piece. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.

Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, which cooks the pasta perfectly tender.

Step 8: Remove the foil carefully (watch out for hot steam), sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden bubbly.

Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole

This hearty ground beef casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sides that balance the richness.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp lettuce salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creamy casserole and adds brightness to your plate.

Steamed Green Beans: These classic vegetables provide color, crunch, and nutrition without competing with the main dish flavors.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, garlic bread turns this into an even more satisfying comfort meal.

Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred edges and nutty flavor complement the savory beef and cheese beautifully.

Cucumber Tomato Salad: This refreshing side adds a cool, tangy contrast that makes each bite of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef even better.

More Hearty Comfort Food Recipes to Try

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef pairs perfectly with other comforting dishes that bring warmth to the dinner table. For another satisfying one-pot meal, the Crazy Good Casserole delivers similar crowd-pleasing appeal with layers of flavor that families love.

When you’re craving more cozy ground beef recipes, the Cheeseburger Soup offers all those classic burger flavors in a warming bowl, while Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines pasta and beef just like this casserole but in soup form. For a heartier option with potatoes, try the Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup that’s equally budget-friendly and filling for busy weeknight dinners.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftover Hobo Casserole Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend portioning it into individual servings for easy weekday lunches. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day.

To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated completely. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes covered with foil. Add a splash of water or broth if the casserole seems dry.

Pro tip: You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If freezing unbaked, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Common Questions About This Recipe

Print