Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheeses baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines savory flavors with a creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: 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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- 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 excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor of the meat mixture.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top, then season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika for balanced savory notes.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar 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 additional creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to steam the potatoes and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered for Finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese melts to a bubbly, golden finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comfort meal!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, milk is optional but recommended.
- You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly for even cooking within the baking time.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
