Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring ground beef layered with seasoned potatoes and melted cheese. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Brown the ground beef for about 5–7 minutes, then drain the excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked beef first, then add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the layers. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir the optional milk into the broth before pouring it over the casserole.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added flavor and texture.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions until warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, though it may produce less fat to drain during cooking.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

This hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. Infused with Italian seasoning and paprika, it’s a perfect easy-to-make dinner that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, cheesy casserole.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

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

Dairy

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Liquids and Oils

• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook and stir for 3–4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
4. Assemble Layers: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked ground beef mixture first. Then arrange the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, seasoning them with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Add Cheese and Broth: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly on top of the layered ingredients. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to keep the potatoes moist during baking.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow potatoes to start cooking and flavors to meld.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
8. Optional Creaminess and Garnish: If desired, drizzle the optional milk over the casserole before baking for added creaminess. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh finish.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
• Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
• Covering with foil during the first baking stage prevents the cheese from over-browning before the potatoes are tender.
• You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, hobo casserole, baked potatoes, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipe