Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and easy to prepare.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Step 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. Step 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. Step 4: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the layered potatoes. 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. Step 6: Cover the casserole 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.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• If you prefer, swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different melt and taste.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute water or vegetable broth as a simple alternative. The casserole will still be flavorful thanks to the seasoning and cheese.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef layered with thinly sliced potatoes, topped with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and baked to golden perfection. This one-pan casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining simple ingredients into a flavorful, cheesy meal.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese and Seasoning

• 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

Liquids

• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
4. Layer Potatoes: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly.
5. Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the layered potatoes. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges to keep the potatoes moist during baking. Drizzle milk over the top if using for added creaminess.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow potatoes to soften and cook through.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes more until the potatoes are tender, cheese is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve the hot casserole for a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
• Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for best texture and flavor.
• For a richer taste, use whole milk or cream instead of regular milk.
• To speed up cooking, partially parboil the potatoes before layering.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until baking.

Keywords: Hobo Casserole, ground beef casserole, baked ground beef, cheesy potato casserole, easy family dinner