Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
This Hobo Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish made with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese. It's easy to assemble, uses simple ingredients, and bakes into a cheesy, savory meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Servings: 4
Calories: 550kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup milk optional, for added creaminess
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, slightly overlapping them. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the dish to help keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the potatoes for extra creaminess.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Brown the Beef Well: Fully browning the ground beef enhances flavor and prevents excess grease in the casserole.
Slicing Potatoes: Thin, even slices help the potatoes cook evenly. A mandoline slicer works great for this.
Make It Creamier: For a richer casserole, use the optional milk or even a splash of heavy cream.
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.