Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty dish featuring savory ground beef layered with thinly sliced potatoes and topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection with Italian seasoning and paprika, this casserole makes an ideal family meal that's both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
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 the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the 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 any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor.
- Layer in the baking dish: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top in an even layer. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to build the casserole’s signature flavor.
- Add cheeses and liquids: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep potatoes moist. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for added creaminess.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven to allow the potatoes to begin cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, do not skip adding milk before baking.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly to ensure they cook through within the baking time.
- If you prefer less rich flavor, reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheese variety.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
