Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender sliced potatoes and rich cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, flavorful meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
6. Step 6: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin potato slices for even cooking.
• Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, cover loosely with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a slightly sweet flavor. Slice them thinly and follow the same layering and cooking times.

Do I have to use beef broth or can I substitute something else?

You can use water if you don’t have beef broth, but broth adds more flavor. Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian alternative.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Hobo Casserole combines savory ground beef with tender sliced potatoes, melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and flavorful Italian seasoning. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Seasonings and Liquids

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
4. Layer ingredients: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Add cheese and liquid: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole, and optionally drizzle with milk for added creaminess.
6. Bake covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
7. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use thinly sliced potatoes to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Draining excess fat from the cooked beef helps prevent a greasy casserole.
• Milk is optional but adds extra creaminess to the dish.
• Covering the casserole during the first bake keeps the potatoes moist.
• For a sharper cheese flavor, use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, cheesy beef casserole, comforting dinner