Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy & Hearty Family Dinner Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
