Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486891H58M3S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup milk (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Short description

This hearty Hobo Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, and savory cheeses into a simple yet satisfying bake. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s comfort food at its best—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One‑dish convenience: Everything bakes together, minimizing prep and cleanup.
Cheese pull satisfaction: Cheddar and Parmesan provide gooey, melty layers with flavor depth.
Customizable: Easily add cream, spice, or extra vegetables to suit your taste.
Family-friendly: A comforting, home-style meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

Ground beef
Medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Beef broth
Milk (optional)

For Seasoning & Cheese:

Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt & pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (garnish)

Directions

Preheat & prep – Oven to 375 °F (190 °C); slice potatoes to ¼‑inch thickness.
Cook beef mixture – In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until browned and no longer pink.
Assemble casserole – Grease a baking dish. Layer half the potato slices, top with half the beef, then sprinkle half the cheddar. Repeat the layers. Pour beef broth (and milk, if using) evenly over the top.
Bake covered – Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Add cheeses & finish – Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest & garnish – Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~45–50 minutes (covered + uncovered baking)
Total time: ~1 hour (including resting)

Variations

Extra creaminess: Swap milk for heavy cream or add a layer of cream cheese.
Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped chilies into the beef layer.
Cheesy boost: Mix in a full cup of Parmesan or layer mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Veggie addition: Add layers of sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Freeze: Assemble without cheese, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before baking, and add cheese later.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes—substitute with ground turkey or chicken; cook until fully browned and adjust seasoning to taste.

2. Do the potatoes need to be peeled?

No—they can be left unpeeled for extra texture and nutrients, just be sure to wash them well.

3. What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water (add a bouillon cube for flavor).

4. Can I skip the milk?

Yes—milk adds richness, but the casserole is still delicious without it. For extra creaminess, use cream or cream cheese.

5. How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Slice them thinly and layer evenly; covering the dish tightly during the first bake helps them steam tender.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if cold from the fridge.

7. Can I add vegetables like carrots or peppers?

Absolutely—layer in sliced bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrients.

8. What cheese works best?

Cheddar provides melty richness, Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty finish—feel free to swap in mozzarella or Gruyère.

9. Is it okay to use frozen potatoes?

Yes—just layer them frozen and increase the initial bake time by 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.

10. How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the beef (if desired) and check that broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and two flavorful cheeses for a filling, comforting dish that’s simple to make and easy to customize. Ideal for busy nights and feeding a crowd, it’s comfort food made effortless. Serve with a green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ezabella

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!