Description

This Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a comforting layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a cheesy topping, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a hearty family dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps for a satisfying meal that’s flavorful and filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Potato Layers

4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid Mixture

1/2 cup beef broth or water
1/4 cup milk

Cheese Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup + 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Season Beef Mixture: Stir in dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef mixture. Cook the mixture for an additional 1 minute, ensuring the seasonings are well incorporated and aromatic.
Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lightly season this potato layer with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Add Beef Layer: Spread the entire seasoned ground beef and onion mixture evenly on top of the first potato layer, ensuring an even distribution.
Add Liquid: In a small bowl, combine the beef broth (or water) with milk. Pour half of this liquid mixture evenly over the beef layer to help keep the casserole moist during baking.
Complete Potato Layers: Arrange the remaining thinly sliced potatoes over the beef layer. Lightly season this top layer with salt and pepper. Then, pour the remaining beef broth and milk mixture evenly over the potato layer.
Add Cheese (First Layer): Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire casserole, providing a rich cheesy layer.
Initial Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
Final Bake and Browning: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra golden crust, optionally broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute beef broth with water if you prefer a lighter version or lower sodium content.
Use thinly sliced potatoes for even cooking; using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent slices.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Italian seasoning.
Resting the casserole before serving helps it hold its shape better when plated.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy beef casserole, cheesy potato casserole, layered casserole, comfort food