Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the perfect dish for a cozy family meal. This comforting casserole combines layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, making it a hit at the dinner table. It’s simple to prepare and delivers big flavors without requiring advanced cooking skills. This recipe is ideal for everyday dinners and also for potlucks and gatherings.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 400
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a fantastic choice for its versatility and flavor. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul with every bite. It’s ideal for families because it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices. The combined flavors of beef, cheese, and potatoes create a hearty meal that everyone will love, making it perfect for cold nights or when you want something comforting.

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:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

• Step 3: Sautéing

  Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, infusing the dish with aromatic flavors.

• Step 4: Layering

  In the greased baking dish, evenly spread the cooked ground beef mixture. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to help keep the potatoes moist during baking. If desired, drizzle with milk for a creamier texture.

• Step 5: Baking

  Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Step 6: Garnishing

  Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if you wish, and serve the casserole hot.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef straight from the oven while it’s hot and melty. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish is also excellent with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For larger gatherings, consider serving it with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, chopped scallions, or additional cheese.

How to Store Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

You can store any leftover Hobo Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• For an added nutritional boost, throw in some diced bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
• Make sure to slice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
• For a gourmet touch, mix in some crispy bacon pieces or swap the cheddar for different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda.

Delicious Variations

• Veggie Hobo Casserole: Replace half the ground beef with diced mushrooms or zucchini for a meatless option.
• Southwestern Twist: Add black beans, corn, and cumin for a southwest flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning for a fresher taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of ground beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the meat’s requirements.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes? While peeling is not necessary, peeling provides a smooth texture. If you prefer the skin for additional flavor and fiber, feel free to leave it on.

• Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

• How do I know when the potatoes are done? Insert a knife into the potatoes; they should be fork-tender and easily pierced when fully cooked.

• Can I substitute the cheeses? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preference, such as pepper jack for some spice or mozzarella for a mild flavor.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delightful dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. With its hearty layers of beef, potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Not only is it easy to prepare, but its adaptability means you can make it your own. So, roll up your sleeves and give this delicious casserole a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole combining layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for family meals and gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
4. In the greased baking dish, layer the cooked beef mixture, followed by thinly sliced potatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sprinkle cheeses over the potatoes and pour broth around the edges.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Customize with extra veggies or spices for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg