Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a quick, comforting meal that combines savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is a rustic casserole with three visible layers: the base consists of crumbled, browned ground meat with a rich, slightly oily texture and a deep brown color, followed by a middle layer of thinly sliced, evenly arranged golden-yellow potatoes with lightly crisped edges, all generously blanketed by a melted, slightly browned cheese layer that oozes between the potatoes. Scattered green herb leaves sit on top for a pop of color. The edges of the dish are browned and bubbly, showing caramelization where the cheese meets the sides. photo taken with an iphone --v 7.0

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup milk (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thinly slice the potatoes to about ¼-inch thickness.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Step 4: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  5. Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese. Pour the beef broth and milk (if using) evenly over the assembled layers.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your comforting, cheesy meal!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
  • Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for different textures and tastes.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic flavor.
  • If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the milk to ½ cup or add a dollop of sour cream before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. The casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A hearty casserole is shown in a white baking dish, featuring three visible layers: the bottom layer is a mixture of browned ground meat with a slightly crumbly, rich brown texture; above this is a layer of sliced yellow potatoes, evenly cut, tender, and arranged to overlap slightly while covering the filling beneath; the top layer is a bubbly, golden-brown, melted cheese, smooth in texture, with some crispy browned edges and a few small parsley leaves scattered for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --v 7.0

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a pinch of beef bouillon for similar flavor.

Print

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious Recipe

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a quick, delicious, and comforting layered bake featuring seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a melty blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for an easy family dinner, this one-dish meal combines hearty flavors with simple prep and baking to produce a golden, cheesy casserole that’s sure to satisfy.

  • Author: Jeannette
  • 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

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 45 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup milk (optional)

For the Seasoning & Cheese:

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes to approximately ¼-inch thickness to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, then season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink inside.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom, then spread half of the cooked seasoned beef over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese. Pour the beef broth and optional milk evenly over the layers to add moisture and creaminess.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld. Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
  5. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy hobo casserole!

Notes

  • For a creamier casserole, adding the optional milk is recommended, but it can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • If you prefer, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • Slicing potatoes uniformly helps them cook evenly during baking.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking chilled.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato bake, easy casserole recipe, layered casserole, family dinner, one dish meal

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