Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners. This one-pan meal combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, making it a hearty option that everyone in the family will love. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for many reasons. First, it’s easy to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. Second, it’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender potatoes. Lastly, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you already have on hand. With just a few common items, you can create a filling meal that satisfies.
How to prepare Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
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)
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- 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.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
How to serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven. You can dish it up in bowls or serve it straight from the baking dish. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to store Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick heat-up.
Tips to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef perfectly
- Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the seasoning; it really enhances the flavors.
- If you like crunch, add some breadcrumbs on top before the final bake for added texture.
Variations
You can easily customize this casserole. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a meat substitute for a lighter version.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced or sliced potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Water works fine too, but the broth adds more flavor.
3. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add extra cooking time.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious one-pan meal combining ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Layer sliced potatoes on top of the cooked ground beef in the baking dish, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top and pour beef broth around the edges.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking. Customize with veggies or substitute ground beef as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American