Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layered with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s simple to prepare and pleasing for the whole family. This recipe offers satisfying flavors with minimal fuss.

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 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 cheeses 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 continue baking for 15-20 minutes more, or 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

• For added flavor, sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different cheesy experience.
• Using beef broth instead of water enhances the savory depth of the dish.

Storage

Store leftover hobo casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, try mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal parts as a substitute. This will provide a similar herbaceous flavor.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 126 reviews

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines simple ingredients for a satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

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

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
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Cheese

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook together for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor of the meat mixture.
4. Layer Potatoes and Season: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika for a flavorful kick.
5. Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist during baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for added creaminess.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
• Be sure to brown the beef thoroughly to develop rich flavor.
• Covering the casserole during the initial bake helps retain moisture and cook potatoes evenly.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy baked potatoes, easy casserole recipe, one dish meal