Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Everyone has that one dish that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. For many, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef takes center stage. This dish embodies comfort with its tender layers of ground beef, savory spices, and soft potatoes, all topped with bubbling cheese. Growing up, nothing felt more inviting than the aroma of this casserole wafting through the house on a chilly evening.

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels hearty and fulfilling. It reminds me of the times when we’d gather around the table, sharing stories over a home-cooked meal. This dish is a true reflection of love, nourishment, and connection. It’s that kind of meal that celebrates everyday moments, making even the simplest nights special.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef captures the essence of comforting home cooking. It’s not just a dish; it’s a tradition. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole brings everyone closer while satisfying those hunger pangs. With each bite, you’ll taste the nostalgia of home and the joy of shared meals.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Essentials

Fundamentals

Understanding the core of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is essential to make the perfect dish. At its heart, this casserole combines ground beef with layers of potatoes and cheese, resulting in a delightful and filling meal. You’ll enjoy discovering the balance of flavors that comes from the seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes.

Begin by choosing quality ground beef. Lean ground beef offers a juicy flavor without excessive grease. Use fresh herbs and spices to elevate the dish further. Dried Italian seasoning is key here, giving the casserole an aromatic kick. Pay close attention to the layering; it ensures a harmonious blend of flavors in each serving.

Preparation/Setup

Preheating your oven is the first step toward creating this delightful dish. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil. This preparation step ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick, making your cleanup process easier later on.

While the oven warms up, focus on browning the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, allowing it to heat up before introducing the beef. Break it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking. This method creates a wonderfully crumbly texture that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.

Ingredients

For a classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, you’ll need the following:

• 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)

Having these ingredients prepared ahead of time allows for a smooth assembly process, setting the stage for a hassle-free cooking experience.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Techniques

Technique

Mastering the technique of layering ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture and flavor profile in Hobo Casserole Ground Beef. Starting with the ground beef at the bottom allows the juices to seep into the potatoes during baking, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful.

Using a combination of cheeses enhances the flavor while providing a creamy, cheesy layer that melts perfectly over the potatoes. Shredded cheddar adds a sharpness that complements the mild Parmesan. Choosing different cheese types can also lead to unique flavor combinations, so feel free to experiment.

Tips/Tricks

To elevate your Hobo Casserole, consider these tips. Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Thin slices allow the potatoes to become tender while baking without overcooking the beef.

If you prefer a crispier top layer, increase the baking time after removing the foil. Broiling for a couple of minutes will give you that beautiful golden finish. Just watch closely to avoid burning.

Another great trick is to add different vegetables to the mix. Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the casserole’s flavor and nutritional value.

Perfecting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Perfecting Results

Achieving perfection with Hobo Casserole Ground Beef often comes down to timing and temperature. The initial bake covered with foil keeps the humidity in, allowing the potatoes to cook through while the flavors blend beautifully. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to become golden and bubbly, creating the ideal texture contrast.

Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven is also crucial. This allows the layers to settle, making serving easier and ensuring a delightful presentation.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you find that your potatoes aren’t cooking through, try slicing them thinner. Thicker slices may require additional cooking time. Alternatively, you can pre-boil them briefly before layering to speed up the cooking process in the oven.

For variations, experiment with spices. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper will introduce a spicy kick, while switching to fresh herbs brings a vibrant freshness. Substituting the beef for ground turkey or chicken is another way to create a healthier version while still maintaining flavor.

Serving Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Serving/Presentation

When serving Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, consider how the dish looks on the plate. Carefully portion out servings to showcase the layered potatoes, meat, and melty cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness.

Pairing this casserole with a light salad or steamed vegetables will balance the flavors and create a well-rounded meal. A simple vinaigrette can enhance the overall dining experience, adding brightness to each bite.

Pairings/Storage

Alongside the casserole, consider serving slices of crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices. An arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast, making each bite delightful.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, ensuring it stays crispy on top. This casserole also freezes well; just follow the assembly instructions and bake from frozen for a quick future meal.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is not just a meal; it’s a bridge connecting past experiences and current culinary adventures. Through every layer and flavor, this dish tells a story of comfort and tradition. As you gather around the table with loved ones, savor each bite knowing you are part of a beautiful culinary journey. Embrace the warmth this casserole brings and let it create lasting memories in your home.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole featuring layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk.
6. 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.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For a crispier top layer, consider broiling for a few minutes after removing the foil. Ensure potatoes are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, family recipe, easy dinner