Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole is a comforting dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and hearty meals. This layered casserole features tender ground beef, savory potatoes, and a melty blend of cheeses, making it the perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity—using just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, Hobo Casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this dish not only fills the belly but also warms the heart. Your loved ones will rave about it, and you’ll appreciate the minimal effort needed to whip it up!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
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)
Gather your ingredients for a hearty Hobo Casserole!
Directions
- 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!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. You can also use sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Optional Variations: Add in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, for extra nutrition and color. You can even top the casserole with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake in an oven until warmed through.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty level: Easy
Delicious Hobo Casserole ready to be enjoyed!
Hobo Casserole
500kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup beef broth or water
- 0.25 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-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!
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories500kcalCarbohydrates40gProtein25gFat25gSaturated Fat10gSodium800mgFiber4gSugar2g
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. You can also use sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist. Optional Variations: Add in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, for extra nutrition and color. You can even top the casserole with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake in an oven until warmed through.