Why Make This Recipe
Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also makes for great leftovers. This casserole packs a lot of flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to get dinner on the table quickly.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
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. 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!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is best served warm right from the oven. You can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. The leftovers can be reheated easily in the microwave or oven, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
To store Hobo Casserole, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the casserole well in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Hobo Casserole
- For extra flavor, you may add chopped bell peppers or other vegetables to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, feel free to add more milk or a bit of sour cream.
- Make sure to cut the potatoes thinly for quicker cooking, ensuring they are tender by the time the dish is ready.
Variation
You can customize Hobo Casserole by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Adding your favorite vegetables, like carrots or green beans, can also enhance the dish.
FAQs
-
Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. -
Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like. Mozzarella or a cheese blend works well too. -
What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the beef.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Adds flavor to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor.
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced Make sure they are sliced thinly for quicker cooking.
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Any cheese can be substituted.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 0.5 cup beef broth or water Use broth for more flavor.
- 0.25 cup milk Optional, for extra creaminess.
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-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.
Assembly
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish and season the potatoes 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.
Cooking
- 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.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
