Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
A comforting one-pan casserole that combines ground beef, seasoned potatoes, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 lb ground beef Use high-quality ground beef for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef.
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced Use fresh potatoes for best taste.
Cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese For gooey texture.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids
- 0.5 cup beef broth or water To keep potatoes moist.
- 0.25 cup milk (optional) For added creaminess.
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- 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 and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Assembly and Baking
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- 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.
Notes
For best results, use fresh ingredients. You can add different vegetables or switch the meats for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.