Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
This hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, aromatic onions, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are baked to golden perfection. A savory mix of Italian seasoning and paprika adds depth, while beef broth ensures moist and tender potatoes. This casserole is both satisfying and flavorful, ideal for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Oils
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for layering the ingredients.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Sauté together for 3–4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Next, layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika to ensure well-rounded flavors.
- Add Cheese and Broth: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the layers. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to keep the casserole moist during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to start softening and all flavors to meld together.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
- Optional Creaminess and Garnish: If desired, drizzle ¼ cup of milk over the casserole before the final baking step for extra creaminess. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley after baking for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and paprika.
- The optional milk helps create a creamier texture but can be omitted for a lighter casserole.
- Make sure potatoes are sliced thinly to ensure they cook through within the given baking time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for quick meals.
Keywords: Hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, cheesy beef casserole, comfort food, one-dish meal
