Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layered with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a simple meal that satisfies the whole family.

The dish is a layered casserole served in a white oval dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown, crumbly ground meat mixture, topped by a creamy off-white mashed potato layer with a smooth texture. Above this, there are thin, round slices of golden-yellow potatoes, browned and crisped at the edges, covered with a melted, bubbly, golden-orange cheese layer. The top is sprinkled with small, bright green chopped herbs, adding a fresh contrast to the rich colors below. The edges of the cheese are browned, giving a slightly crispy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Brown the ground beef for about 5–7 minutes until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until onions are soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked beef mixture first. Next, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to keep the potatoes moist.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra creaminess, stir ¼ cup milk into the beef mixture before layering.
  • Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.
  • Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for more veggies.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered dish on a white plate, showing four distinct layers: the bottom layer is a rich brown cooked ground meat sauce with a slight oily shine, the next layer consists of thin, pale yellow sliced potatoes arranged neatly, followed by a thick white creamy layer in the middle, and topped with a golden melted cheddar cheese layer with a slightly crispy texture and garnished with fresh green parsley scattered on top. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add some extra time to the baking if it’s cold from the fridge.

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

If you don’t have beef broth, water works fine. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.

Print

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining savory flavors and a rich, cheesy finish baked to perfection in the oven.

  • Author: Marco
  • 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
  • 45 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Broth

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

Seasonings and Oil

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

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and cook the ground beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, seasoning them evenly with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika for a flavorful base.
  5. Add Cheese and Broth: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potato layer. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to help cook the potatoes and keep the casserole moist. Optionally, add the milk now for extra creaminess if desired. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Bake covered for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to begin cooking through. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
  • For extra creaminess, adding ¼ cup milk before baking enhances the texture.
  • Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes with the seasonings.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy beef and potato bake, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, baked ground beef dish

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