Description
This delicious Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting, one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef layered with thinly sliced potatoes and melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Slow-baked to perfection, the casserole is tender, cheesy, and full of savory flavors, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, infusing the beef mixture with flavor.
- Layer Potatoes: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika for extra flavor.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the potatoes and beef. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to help keep the potatoes moist during baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for added creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld together.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired and serve the casserole hot, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Notes
- For a creamier casserole, do not skip adding the optional milk.
- You can substitute beef broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more paprika or Italian seasoning if preferred.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
