Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to begin cooking through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 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
