Description
Easy Hobo Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal made with ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, topped with gooey cheese. It’s perfect for busy evenings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the meat. Sauté until vegetables soften.
- Stir in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta nearly al dente according to package directions, then drain.
- Combine the pasta and the meat–tomato mixture in a large baking dish. Stir well to coat.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add frozen corn or peas for extra veggies.
- Use mozzarella and pepper jack for a spicier, creamier finish.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
