The Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef, low-carb cauliflower, mushrooms, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting dish that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for health-conscious eaters who still crave something hearty and delicious. With every creamy and savory bite, you’ll love how easy it is to stay on track without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks—about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with the garlic powder and a small pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, toss the chopped cauliflower and sliced mushrooms together.
- Lightly grease a small baking dish. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer the cauliflower and mushroom mixture on top of the beef.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top to finish the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the vegetables are tender. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 460
Protein (g): 24
Fat (g): 37
Carbohydrates (g): 8
Fiber (g): 2
Sugar (g): 3
Sodium (mg): 330
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Ground Beef Hobo Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. To preserve texture, cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap.
Ingredient Swaps and Enhancements
To boost the protein content while staying paleo-friendly, consider adding cooked ground turkey or diced chicken in addition to the ground beef. Swapping cheddar cheese for a paleo-friendly cheese alternative or nutritional yeast can reduce dairy if desired. Add chopped kale, spinach, or bell peppers to increase micronutrients and fiber. For even more texture and added fiber, diced sweet potato or zucchini can be stirred in with the cauliflower and mushrooms. These additions enhance overall nutrition without compromising the wholesome, hearty flavor of the original dish.
