Cozy, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth on a chilly evening. As I reminisce about my childhood, I can almost smell the savory spices wafting through the kitchen as my mom stirred a bubbling pot of something equally comforting. This hearty one-dish meal brings back those treasured memories, filling our bellies and hearts with joy. Picture tender slices of potato nestled in a sea of flavorful ground beef and gooey melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. On those busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don’t have a lot of time, this easy weeknight dinner is the solution you’ve been looking for.
Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy evenings, this dish comes together in just over an hour.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup needed, making it a great option for a stress-free meal.
- Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses or add seasonal veggies for a twist.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love cheesy comfort food, and this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Cozy and Satisfying: This hearty dish is filled with flavors that warm the soul, perfect for chilly nights.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef:
- 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)
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps to create your Hobo Casserole:
- 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!
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this comforting casserole! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Veggie Boost: Add layers of thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers for a nutritious kick.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty bite.
- Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack for a little heat or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Herb Infusion: Swap out Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are some of my kitchen secrets for perfect results:
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ingredient Swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can also be used in place of beef for a lighter option.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunches.
- Slicing Potatoes: For even cooking, make sure to slice your potatoes uniformly thin and consider using a mandoline slicer for simplicity.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 340
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or add seasonal vegetables.How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.How long does it last?
If properly stored, the casserole can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Final Thoughts
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something warm and comforting to nourish your family. The combination of flavors and textures will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas, making it feel like home. Save this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A cozy, creamy, and satisfying one-dish meal featuring tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and gooey melted cheese.
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)
Instructions
- 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 until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft (3-4 minutes).
- Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheeses over the beef and pour beef broth around the edges to keep potatoes moist. Optionally drizzle with milk.
- 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.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Customize with your favorite cheeses or seasonal veggies. Make-ahead option available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, ground beef, potatoes, cheese