Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to assemble and delivers rich, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef for 5–7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Layer the cooked beef in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the potatoes. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the dish.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, mix ¼ cup of milk into the beef broth before pouring it over the casserole.
• Swap cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added vegetables.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method helps keep the texture better.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute beef broth with water, vegetable broth, or even a mix of water and a splash of soy sauce for added flavor.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This hearty Hobo Casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef and thinly sliced potatoes, topped with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish combines savory flavors and a tender texture that everyone will enjoy.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheeses

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Seasonings

• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, infusing the beef with flavor.
4. Layer Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly to enhance the flavor.
5. Add Cheese and Broth: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potato layer. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to keep the potatoes moist during baking.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to steam and cook through.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
8. Optional Finishing Touches: If desired, pour ¼ cup of milk over the casserole after baking for extra creaminess or garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use beef broth or water depending on the depth of flavor you prefer; broth adds richness, water keeps it lighter.
• You can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different taste profile.
• Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook completely within the baking time.
• Covering with foil during initial baking steams the potatoes, while uncovering at the end crisps the cheese topping.
• For a creamier casserole, stir the optional milk into the beef mixture before layering or drizzle over before serving.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready, making it convenient for meal planning.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipes, cheesy casserole