Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients into a delicious meal. This one-pan dish is perfect for families or anyone looking for an easy dinner option. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, it’s not just tasty—it’s also filling!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of cooking skills. Second, you can make it all in one dish, which means less clean-up! Finally, Hobo Casserole is flexible—you can add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to fit your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Making Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal for you and your family.
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)
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!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Serve Hobo Casserole hot right from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. For extra flavor, you can add your favorite hot sauce or ketchup on the side.
How to Store Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- For extra flavor, try adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, with the beef.
- You can use different types of cheese based on your preference—mozzarella or pepper jack can add a nice twist.
- If you want a creamier dish, don’t skip the optional milk!
Variation
You can also make a vegetarian version of Hobo Casserole by replacing the ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite beans. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe? Yes! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes can be used, but check the cooking time as they may require less time in the oven.
2. Can I prepare Hobo Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
3. What kind of meat can I use instead of ground beef? You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will give the dish a different flavor, so feel free to experiment!
Enjoy making and sharing this simple and delicious Hobo Casserole Ground Beef with your loved ones!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
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)
Instructions
Preparation
- 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!
