Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. This recipe layers savory ground beef with tender potatoes and melted cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses over the potato layer. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
6. Step 6: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 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.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture that holds up well while baking.
• For added flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir a tablespoon of flour into the beef mixture before layering.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the potatoes from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?

Fresh sliced potatoes are best because frozen potatoes can release extra moisture and become soggy. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before layering.

What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A crusty bread also complements it nicely.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 115 reviews

This comforting Hobo Casserole with ground beef combines seasoned beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a rich blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this casserole delivers hearty flavors enhanced with Italian seasoning and a creamy touch of milk.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Casserole Layers

• 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)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, infusing the mixture with flavor.
4. Layer Potatoes: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top, then season them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika for a balanced, savory taste.
5. Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the layered potatoes. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges to keep the potatoes moist during baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for extra creaminess.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to begin cooking through.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the casserole hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best results as they hold up well during baking.
• For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with homemade stock or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
• The milk is optional but adds creaminess to the dish; you may replace it with cream or omit it altogether.
• Ensure potatoes are sliced uniformly thin to cook evenly within the baking time.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

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