Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe combines layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheeses baked to perfection. It’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, offering a savory blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, and creamy cheese for a satisfying and flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy and Cheese
- 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-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 ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with cooked beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the mixture’s flavor.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the beef. Season the potato layer with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the layered potatoes. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist during baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for extra creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes to begin softening while trapping moisture.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can drizzle milk before baking, but it's optional.
- Use beef broth for added depth of flavor or water if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly to ensure they cook fully within the baking time.
- Covering with foil initially helps retain moisture and prevents potatoes from drying out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.