Imagine a warm casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with rich, inviting aromas. Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delightful blend of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food that’s also good for you. It strikes that lovely balance between hearty and healthy, making it a favorite in my home. It’s soothing and satisfying, and what’s even better is that it’s simple to whip up, bringing a bit of joy to your dinner table.
Serving Versatility
One of the best things about Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is its versatility! You can serve it over rice, mix it with noodles, wrap it in tortillas for a fun twist, or enjoy it as a standalone dish. Need to cut carbs? Serve it on a bed of fresh greens. Feeling adventurous? Dress it up with your favorite hot sauce or toppings. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- 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 any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Whip it up in just over an hour!
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Perfect for families.
- Big, cozy flavor: A taste that warms the soul.
- Nutritional value: Hearty and satisfying without the guilt.
- Customizability: Make it your own with simple tweaks!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
Casseroles have a long-standing tradition in home cooking, bringing families together around the dinner table. They are all about layers of flavor, with each ingredient contributing to a delightful medley. Baking creates a comforting harmony that turns simple ingredients into a warming dish that feels like a hug from the inside.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a fluffy bed of rice for a filling meal.
- Pair with buttered noodles for a hearty combination.
- Wrap the casserole in tortillas for a delicious handheld meal.
- Enjoy it with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Season your layers well; it makes a world of difference!
- When slicing your potatoes, try to keep the slices even for uniform cooking.
- For extra crunch, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end.
Storage & Reheating
To properly store your leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven until warmed through or use the microwave, but keep an eye on it to maintain that lovely texture.
Closing Paragraph
I hope you feel inspired to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef and share it with those you love. Remember, cooking is a journey; don’t hesitate to personalize it with your own twist. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own! Please share your thoughts, rate this recipe, or leave a comment below!
🎀 Final Thoughts
Thank you for stopping by my kitchen today! Remember, every dish is a chance to create memories and laughter. Let’s keep making beautiful meals together. With a sprinkle of love and a dash of creativity, we can transform simple ingredients into something magical.
Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.
If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Hobo Casserole for another comforting favorite.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup beef broth or water
- 0.25 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- 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 any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking.
- Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!