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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
