Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole features layers of savory ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a cheesy topping baked to golden perfection. With a flavorful blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and cheeses, it’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Casserole Layers
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: 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 excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor.
- Layer Potatoes and Season: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses over the beef and potatoes. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for added creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through while retaining moisture.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes more, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve the casserole hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- If you want a creamier casserole, do not skip the optional milk addition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato casserole, comfort food, baked beef and potatoes
