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Hobo Casserole with ground beef, vegetables, and cheese in a baking dish

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

A comforting and forgiving layered casserole featuring ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners and using up leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Standard ground beef, do not substitute with pork.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Provides flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced Use any standard variety.
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use a blend for more flavor.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nice flavor boost.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning For seasoning the dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika For a touch of smokiness.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season as preferred.
  • 0.5 cup beef broth or water To keep the potatoes moist.
  • 0.25 cup milk (optional) For additional creaminess.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), breaking apart with a spoon.
  4. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft (about 3-4 minutes).
Layering and Baking
  1. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  2. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potato layer.
  4. Pour beef broth around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist.
  5. Optionally drizzle with milk for added creaminess.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Best to serve warm. Can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge overnight. For freezer storage, freeze before baking for up to 3 months.