Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic, comforting dish that brings together tender layers of potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make, hearty casserole is a perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: Layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese create a meal that’s satisfying and delicious.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, switch up the cheeses, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add Cheese and Liquid
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist. Optionally, drizzle with milk for added creaminess.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 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 and Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Include layers of sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy ground sausage instead of beef.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced turnips or cauliflower.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
1. What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and cook evenly.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works perfectly in this recipe.
3. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving.
5. How can I tell when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be golden and bubbly.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread pairs well with this dish.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a creamier texture.
8. Is the milk necessary?
Milk adds extra creaminess but can be omitted if you prefer a lighter casserole.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or prepare two casseroles.
10. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Be sure to add the beef broth or water around the edges and cover with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic, budget-friendly comfort food that’s easy to make and deeply satisfying. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this casserole is sure to please!
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple and delicious casserole is a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp 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 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp 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
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add Cheese and Broth
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the dish to keep the potatoes moist. For extra creaminess, drizzle with milk if desired.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve and Garnish
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Brown the Beef: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor.
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: Thin slices cook faster and more evenly. Use a mandoline for precision.
- Customize: Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *