Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- 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.
- 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
