Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

If you have a craving for comfort food that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple, the Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. This hearty casserole layers tender, thinly sliced potatoes with savory, seasoned ground beef and melts loads of sharp cheddar cheese on top for that perfect golden crust. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines rustic flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the casserole’s incredible flavor and comforting texture. From the juicy ground beef to the melty cheddar, every component is essential to make this dish truly shine.

• 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that gives this dish that rich meatiness everyone loves.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a hint of fruity richness while helping to sauté the aromatics.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings a sweet, savory flavor that softens as it cooks with the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of fragrant warmth to the beef layer.
• 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: These create the tender, creamy layers that soak up the beef juices perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the topping, providing melty, gooey goodness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp contrast that intensifies the cheese flavor.
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the savory flavors together beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and lovely color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors throughout.
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses some extra beefy richness.
• 1/4 cup milk: Creates a creamy liquid base to soften the potatoes as they bake.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch to brighten up the rich casserole.

How to Make Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and promotes a beautifully crisp edge on the potatoes.

Step 2: Cook Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic, then sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This combination creates a fragrant, flavorful base that the whole casserole depends on.

Step 3: Season Beef Mixture

Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat the beef and onions evenly. Cooking for a minute more lets the spices bloom, melding the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Layer Potatoes

Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lightly season this layer with salt and pepper to enhance the natural potato flavor. This first layer will soak up the delicious juices from the beef.

Step 5: Add Beef Layer

Spread the entire cooked and seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potato bed, creating a robust, meaty middle layer that will make every bite hearty and satisfying.

Step 6: Add Liquid

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth (or water) and milk. Pour half of this liquid mixture evenly over the beef layer to keep the casserole moist and tender as it bakes.

Step 7: Complete Potato Layers

Layer the remaining thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef. Season again lightly with salt and pepper. Pour over the remaining beef broth and milk mixture, which helps the potatoes cook evenly and infuses even more flavor into the dish.

Step 8: Add Cheese (First Layer)

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This mix of cheeses starts building that irresistible, bubbly crust you’ll love.

Step 9: Initial Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 60 minutes. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to soften beautifully and the flavors to meld inside.

Step 10: Final Bake and Browning

Remove the foil carefully, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and turn a gorgeous golden brown. For a perfect finishing touch, you can broil it for 1 or 2 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let your Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe rest on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set, making it easier to slice and allowing flavors to deepen. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a lovely vibrant green but also lends a little fresh brightness to cut through the richness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions for extra zing and texture.

Side Dishes

Serve the casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance out the hearty richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also work beautifully, giving your meal color and a light, fresh counterpoint to the cheesy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe dishes and top each with extra cheese before broiling. This makes for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. You can also experiment by adding different cheese blends or a handful of sautéed mushrooms into the beef layer for extra flavor variations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for easy weekday meals.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare it completely but do not bake—wrap it tightly with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the original instructions.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick meal or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). For that fresh-baked feel, add a few extra minutes under the broiler to crisp the cheese topping if desired.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic sharp, melty goodness, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or a blend like Monterey Jack and Parmesan for extra creaminess and depth.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

You can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrition, especially if you use thin-skinned potatoes. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

Water works fine in a pinch, and you can enhance flavor by adding a bouillon cube or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the liquid mixture for that savory depth.

How thin should I slice the potatoes for the casserole?

Thin slices about 1/8 inch thick work best. They cook evenly during baking and layer nicely with the beef for a tender, cohesive casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about the Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug in food form. It’s approachable to make, packed with familiar flavors, and perfect for any occasion when you want to feed a hungry group or just treat yourself to some cozy goodness. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite to keep coming back to again and again.

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