Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup beef broth or water; ¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting casserole. The tender potatoes, flavorful beef, and rich cheeses meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or extra veggies.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup beef broth or water
¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Spread beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, overlapping slightly.
Season potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes.
Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the dish. For added creaminess, drizzle milk over the top.
Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves 4. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 50 minutes. Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes.

Variations

Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.
Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well. Just adjust cooking time if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip milk.

How do I ensure potatoes cook evenly?

Use a mandoline slicer for thin, uniform slices.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready.

What’s a good side dish?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this casserole nicely.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add more seasoning?

Feel free to increase herbs or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

How can I make it creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or more milk before baking.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely, just cook it thoroughly before layering.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy families or cozy dinners. Combining simple, wholesome ingredients into a delicious layered casserole, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

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This Hobo Casserole is a cozy, satisfying layered dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal made with pantry staples and baked to a warm, cheesy perfection—ideal for feeding the whole family.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Spread beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, overlapping slightly.
Season potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes.
Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the dish. For added creaminess, drizzle milk over the top.
Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.