Why Make This Recipe

Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a simple, hearty meal that is perfect for busy nights. It’s comforting, filling, and made with basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. This dish brings together layers of meat, potatoes, and cheese for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste!

How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
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)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Serve Hobo Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side. The cheesy layers and tender potatoes make it a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy.

How to Store Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

To store leftover Hobo Casserole, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Use your favorite cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese or use what you have on hand.
Add vegetables: You can sneak in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Variation

You can make a chicken version of Hobo Casserole by substituting ground beef with cooked shredded chicken. This variation works well if you’re looking for a lighter option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute and still enjoy all the flavorful layers.

Q: Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cook as directed.