Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

51 min

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delicious, comforting dish featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, all baked together. It's a simple, hearty, and filling meal perfect for family dinner, ready in under an hour. You only need a few ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese, with options to add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. The flavors come together perfectly, and the cheese melts beautifully over the top, making it extra delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
    1 lb
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • onion

    chopped

    1 medium
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • potatoes

    thinly sliced

    4 medium
  • shredded cheddar cheese
    1 ½ c
  • grated parmesan cheese
    ½ c
  • dried italian seasoning
    1 tsp
  • paprika
    ½ tsp
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • beef broth or water
    ½ c
  • milk

    optional, for creaminess

    ¼ c
  • fresh parsley for garnish

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

About this Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table? This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is your answer! It's a true classic, delivering pure comfort in every forkful. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory ground beef, sweet onions, and a blend of gooey, melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. All baked together in under an hour to golden perfection, this easy ground beef recipe is destined to become a family favorite.

What makes this ground beef casserole so special? Its simplicity and incredible flavor. With just a few staple ingredients like lean ground beef, fresh potatoes, and a delicious blend of seasonings, you can create a truly memorable cheesy potato casserole. It’s the perfect family dinner idea for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, offering a filling dish that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum taste. The beef broth and optional milk add a lovely richness, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful, topped with that irresistible blanket of bubbly cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Hobo Casserole

  • Slice Potatoes Evenly: For consistent cooking, try to slice your potatoes uniformly thin. A mandoline can be a great tool here!
  • Brown Your Beef: Don't rush this step! Properly browning the ground beef before layering adds depth of flavor to the entire casserole.
  • Get Creative with Veggies: While delicious as is, this hearty casserole welcomes additions. Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some frozen peas during the layering process for extra nutrition and color.
  • Cheese it Up: While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, don't hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a hint of smoked gouda for a different twist.

This Hobo Casserole isn't just a meal; it's a warm hug in a dish, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Serve it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans for a complete and utterly delicious spread.

Frequently Asked Questions