Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is delicious with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese all baked together into a comforting dish. It’s a simple, hearty meal that the whole family will love!

This time, I decided to make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, a simple, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. It’s a great recipe when you’re craving something filling without a lot of effort.

The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese is a classic that everyone loves. This recipe is my favorite, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s also my kids’ favorite—the best comfort food for any night!

To make this casserole, you only need a few ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese. You can also add some other veggies like bell peppers or carrots if you like, and the result is just wow! The flavors all come together perfectly, and the cheese melts beautifully over the top, making it extra delicious and satisfying.

And for a perfect meal, you can serve it with a side of green beans and a simple salad. Some garlic bread would also be great to soak up the savory flavors from the casserole. This recipe is super easy to make, and it’s ready in under an hour—perfect for busy nights!

Why Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Is Great?

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is great because it’s a one-pan dish that combines protein, carbs, and veggies, making it a well-rounded meal. The ground beef adds flavor and richness, while the potatoes give it a hearty texture. The cheese on top creates a delicious, melty topping that everyone loves. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

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

Kitchen equipment you’ll need

How to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2:

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 needed.

Step 3:

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4:

Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.

Step 6:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

Helpful Tips

  • Use Thinly Sliced Potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
  • Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef well and drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to boost the nutrition of the dish.
  • Season Generously: Don’t forget to season the beef and potatoes well with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Garlic powder or paprika adds extra flavor.
  • Use Shredded Cheese: Shredded cheese melts better than block cheese, so use it for an extra creamy and smooth top.
  • Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole with foil while baking to trap moisture and prevent the top from getting too dry.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

I love to serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice, crisp contrast to the richness of the casserole. It helps balance the flavors and makes the meal feel lighter.

I also enjoy pairing it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These vegetables are easy to prepare and provide a healthy addition to the meal, adding more fiber and nutrients.

For a complete and filling meal, I love to serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef with garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the cheesy casserole and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Variations of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version.

Add Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon for an extra smoky flavor that complements the beef and cheese.

Make It Spicy: Add a jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the beef for a spicy kick.

Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground beef and dairy-free cheese to make a vegan version of this casserole.

Add Cream of Mushroom Soup: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup for a creamier and richer texture.

Cheesy Broccoli Version: Add cooked broccoli florets to the casserole before baking for a cheesy broccoli version.

How to Store

Let Hobo Casserole Ground Beef cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

  • Yes, you can use frozen hash browns or frozen potato slices, but they may release extra moisture, so be sure to drain them well.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

  • Yes, you can skip the cheese for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I add beans to the casserole?

  • Yes, adding cooked beans like kidney beans or black beans can add extra protein and fiber to the dish.

What if I don’t have garlic powder?

  • You can substitute garlic powder with fresh garlic, minced finely, and sauté it with the ground beef.

Can I use russet potatoes instead of other potatoes?

  • Yes, russet potatoes work well, but they may break down more than waxy potatoes, which hold their shape better.

Can I use ground sausage instead of beef?

  • Yes, ground sausage can add extra flavor, especially if you like a bit of spice.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

  • Yes, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend for variety.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

  • The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

  • Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Can I add more vegetables?

  • Yes, you can add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is delicious with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese all baked together into a comforting dish. It’s a simple, hearty meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water

  • 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • 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 needed.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  • Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

Notes

  • Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef well and drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.

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