This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delightful dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into one comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also offers a warm and hearty experience that everyone will love. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout option for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in just over an hour.
Flavorful Comfort: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and spices creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand for a personalized twist.
One-Dish Wonder: All ingredients bake together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and helps ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Baking dish (9×13-inch)
Cooking spray or olive oil
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
Baking Dish: The perfect vessel for layering your casserole ingredients evenly.
Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for quickly chopping vegetables, saving time in preparation.

Ingredients

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is delicious with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese all baked together into a comforting dish. It’s a simple, hearty meal that the whole family will love!

For the Casserole

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet:
Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes

In the prepared baking dish:
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top.
Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Liquid

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the layered potatoes:
Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole.
Optionally drizzle with milk for added creaminess.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover with aluminum foil:
Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered

After 30 minutes:
Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as leftovers, these suggestions will add creativity to your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
Caesar Salad: The creaminess of Caesar dressing pairs well with the savory flavors of the hobo casserole.

Add Some Crunch

Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread provides a crunchy texture and delicious flavor to balance the soft casserole.
Potato Chips: Serve a side of potato chips for a fun and crunchy addition that kids will love.

Enjoy with Dips

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Guacamole: For an unexpected twist, serve guacamole on the side for a creamy, rich accompaniment.

Top It Off

Extra Cheese: Sprinkle some additional cheese on top just before serving for a melty finish.
Chopped Green Onions: Garnish with fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

To ensure your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef can make a significant difference in flavor.
Layer Properly: Ensure even layers of beef and potatoes to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your meat mixture before layering; add more salt or spices according to your preference.
Cover While Baking: Keeping the casserole covered initially helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook through without drying out.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Serving Hobo Casserole Ground Beef with complementary side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide freshness and color to your plate.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is an easy-to-make side that pairs well with hearty meals.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans harmonizes nicely with savory ground beef flavors in the casserole.
Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf can soak up any extra juices from the casserole for an enjoyable bite.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste to complement your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your layers can lead to blandness. Always season every layer, especially the potatoes.
Overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can dry it out. Aim for browning without overcooking; it should take about 5-7 minutes.
Neglecting to layer properly: Layering ingredients incorrectly may result in uneven cooking. Start with beef at the bottom and layer potatoes on top for best results.
Using the wrong cheese: Different cheeses melt differently. Stick with cheddar and Parmesan for a perfect creamy topping.
Not covering while baking: Failing to cover the casserole initially may lead to dried-out potatoes. Always cover with foil for the first half of baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hobo Casserole Ground Beef:

Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use sausage for added flavor.

How can I make my Hobo Casserole Ground Beef healthier?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Using leaner ground beef also reduces fat content.

What sides go well with Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal vegetables. It’s an easy recipe that will satisfy your family’s cravings and warm their hearts!

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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese in one deliciously hearty meal. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner at home. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, this easy-to-prepare recipe will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend feast, this one-dish wonder is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup beef broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground beef (about 5-7 minutes) and drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft (3-4 minutes).
Layer cooked beef in the baking dish followed by thinly sliced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Sprinkle cheeses on top and pour beef broth around the edges.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American