Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
