Description
This easy and hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting family dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of seasoned potatoes, savory browned ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic, and a cheesy blend of cheddar and Parmesan bake together to create a flavorful, satisfying one-dish meal. Simple ingredients come together with minimal prep for maximum flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt total, 1 teaspoon black pepper total, divided)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced peeled potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until all slices are evenly coated to enhance their flavor during baking.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics and Season: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season the mixture with dried Italian seasoning, paprika, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Create Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and optional milk. Stir continuously and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble First Layers: Spread half of the seasoned potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then layer half of the ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the combined cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Assemble Second Layers: Arrange the remaining potato slices over the cheese layer. Evenly spoon the rest of the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Initial Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften but are not fully tender yet.
- Final Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese blend evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the sauce set, which also makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with cream or use only beef broth for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce when cooking the beef.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier potato layer.
- The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; just increase the covered baking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use non-dairy cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy potato casserole, layered casserole
