Description
A hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole featuring ground beef layered with thinly sliced potatoes and a blend of melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner and bakes to golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Cheeses and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare 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 olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Layer Potatoes and Beef: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes over the beef layer. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potato layer. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to maintain moisture while baking. Optionally, drizzle milk for added creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through during baking.
- Draining excess fat from the ground beef helps reduce greasiness in the casserole.
- You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- The milk is optional but adds a richer, creamier texture to the casserole.
- Fresh parsley is recommended for garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Hobo Casserole, ground beef casserole, potato casserole, baked ground beef, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipe