Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal that layers savory browned ground beef with tender sliced potatoes and a rich blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with Italian seasoning and a touch of paprika, this casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: 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 necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook together for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor.
- Layer Potatoes: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef layer, then season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika for a flavorful crust.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the potatoes. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over for added creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly without drying out.
- 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 bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, don’t skip the optional milk drizzle before baking.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Be sure to cover the casserole during the first part of baking to steam the potatoes thoroughly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated covered in the oven.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give a subtle spicy kick.
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato bake, one dish dinner, easy casserole recipe
