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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

4.5 from 108 reviews

This hearty Hobo Casserole combines savory ground beef with tender sliced potatoes, layered with a flavorful blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, this comforting baked casserole is an easy, all-in-one meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 45 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy and Liquids

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 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

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the ground beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic. To the cooked beef in the skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  4. Assemble the casserole layers. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Add cheese and liquids. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the layered potatoes and beef. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep potatoes moist during baking. Optionally drizzle milk over the top for added creaminess.
  6. Bake covered. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook potatoes through and meld flavors.
  7. Finish baking uncovered. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and serve. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use beef broth rather than water.
  • Milk is optional but adds extra creaminess to the casserole.
  • Make sure potatoes are sliced thinly for even cooking.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: Hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, cheesy casserole