Description
This Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a comforting and hearty layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners, it combines simple ingredients baked to golden perfection with a rich, savory flavor and a crispy cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Potatoes
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, then drain any excess fat. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Add Beef Layer: Spread the entire seasoned ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the first layer of potatoes, creating a hearty middle layer.
- Add Liquid: In a small bowl, combine the beef broth (or water) and milk, then pour half of this liquid evenly over the beef layer to add moisture and aid cooking.
- Complete Potato Layers: Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and pour the remaining beef broth and milk mixture over the top.
- Add Cheese (First Layer): Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire casserole to add richness and flavor.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes to cook potatoes through and meld flavors.
- Final Bake and Browning: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve an extra golden crust, watching closely.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For easier slicing, use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly.
- Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Covering the casserole initially ensures potatoes cook thoroughly without drying out.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a delightful crispy cheese topping.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.