Why Make This Recipe
Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a cozy and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients for a filling meal. It is great for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese makes it a hearty option that everyone will enjoy. You can make it in one dish, which means less cleanup after your meal!
How to Make Hobo Casserole
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
Serve Hobo Casserole hot right out of the oven. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is also great as leftovers, so feel free to make a big batch!
How to Store Hobo Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole
- Use a variety of potatoes: Try mixing different types of potatoes, like yellow and red, for added flavor and texture.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for more nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. You might like it a bit spicier or more fragrant.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for an equally delicious alternative.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat alternative for a different flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
What can I do if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, water works fine too! It will still keep the potatoes moist while baking.
Hobo Casserole
A cozy and comforting one-dish meal featuring ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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
- 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!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Hobo Casserole, Comfort Food, Ground Beef, One Dish Meal
