Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy & Hearty Family Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s an easy recipe that brings warmth and satisfying flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and 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)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and milk if using. Stir until combined and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the seasoned potato slices evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle half of the combined shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
7. Step 7: Arrange the remaining potato slices over the cheese layer. Spoon the remaining ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Step 10: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and different texture.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added veggies.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the milk to 1/2 cup or add a dollop of sour cream before baking.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole (before the final bake) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy & Hearty Family Dinner Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty family dinner featuring layers of seasoned potatoes, browned ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic, all baked under a cheesy, golden crust. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt total, 1 teaspoon black pepper total)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1/4 cup milk (optional)

Potatoes and Cheese

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Season Potatoes: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until they are evenly coated. This helps infuse the potatoes with flavor and prevents them from drying out during baking.
3. Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon for 7-10 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
4. Sauté Aromatics and Season: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
5. Create Sauce: Lower the heat to low and pour in the beef broth (or water) along with the optional milk. Stir continuously until combined and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Assemble First Layers: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the seasoned potato slices evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the combined shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a cheesy layer.
7. Assemble Second Layers: Arrange the remaining potato slices evenly over the cheese layer. Spoon the rest of the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, spreading it out uniformly.
8. Initial Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften when pierced with a fork.
9. Final Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese blend over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. The cheese should become bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
10. Rest and Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the sauce set for easier serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniformly thin potato slices for even baking.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Ensure the casserole is tightly covered during the initial bake to prevent the potatoes from drying out.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, layered potato casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy beef casserole