Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Introduction
Get ready to dig into a comforting dish that combines all your dinner favorites into one hearty meal: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef. This dish is a blend of ground beef, cheesy potatoes, and flavorful spices, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s not just easy to make; it’s also a one-pan wonder that saves you time on cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole can be prepped and baked in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite.
- Comfort Food: Hearty and filling, it’s the ideal dish for cozy family dinners.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients Needed
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Layer:
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Moisture:
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
- Cook the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season this layer with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potato layer. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist during baking. For an extra creamy texture, drizzle the milk on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a hint of color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This casserole is great as a standalone dish, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- Tips: For added flavor, experiment with different cheese blends or throw in some vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Variations: Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delicious and simple recipe that’s perfect for families looking for a warm meal. It combines easy-to-find ingredients with the comfort of cheesy goodness. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your experience on social media or let us know what variations you tried. We love hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative in this casserole recipe.
How do I make this gluten-free?
All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
Print
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A comforting one-pan casserole featuring ground beef, cheesy potatoes, and flavorful spices, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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 prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potato layer. Pour beef broth or water around the edges to keep the potatoes moist. Drizzle milk on top for extra creaminess.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, experiment with different cheese blends or add vegetables like bell peppers or corn. Ground turkey or sweet potatoes can be substituted for a lighter option or different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg