This Hobo Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s a filling one-dish meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Using just a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together in no time.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese for a personalized twist.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Skillet for browning beef and onions
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil for covering the casserole while baking
- Cutting board and knife for slicing potatoes and chopping onions
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef in a single layer. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Liquids
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to help keep the potatoes moist. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans to boost the nutrition.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious cheesy sauce.
Tips for Success
- Thinly Slice the Potatoes: Slicing the potatoes thinly ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- Season Well: Be generous with the seasoning to bring out the full flavor of the beef and potatoes.
- Cover During Baking: Covering with foil traps moisture, preventing the potatoes from drying out.
- Let Rest: Resting the casserole after baking helps the layers hold together.
Variations
- Lean Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Bacon: Add crumbled bacon on top for a smoky twist.
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Broccoli: Add cooked broccoli between the layers for extra veggies.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2–3 months for future meals.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes work fine. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
2. Can I make this without cheese?
Of course! You can skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives for a lighter meal.
3. What other veggies can I add?
Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or mushrooms are excellent choices to mix in.
4. Can I use russet potatoes?
Russet potatoes are fine but tend to become softer when baked. Waxy potatoes hold up better for layering.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner recipe that will bring your family together for a satisfying meal. Enjoy! ❤️