Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory cheese in a simple layered bake. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom. Pour half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Step 4: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheeses. Pour the beef broth (or water) evenly over the top. If using, drizzle the milk over the casserole for added creaminess.
5. Step 5: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a twist, add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and veggies.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to add a subtle sweetness and more nutrients.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, mix sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture before layering.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Cooking times and seasoning might be adjusted slightly to suit the milder flavor.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother casserole.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a cheesy, flavorful blend of Parmesan and cheddar. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines savory seasonings and a touch of broth to keep the casserole moist and delicious.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese

• 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)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer thinly sliced potatoes evenly. Sprinkle the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes. Season with dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour beef broth or water evenly over the dish to keep the potatoes moist. If using, drizzle the milk for added creaminess. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
4. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm as a satisfying main dish.

Notes

• You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation.
• For extra flavor, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
• Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer, replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a milder taste.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy dinner recipes, one-pan meals