Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

A simple yet satisfying dish, hobo casserole brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in the kitchen. Growing up, my family cherished these uncomplicated meals made with everyday ingredients. The beauty of hobo casserole lies in its ability to turn a few staples into a delightful feast that warms the soul.

This hearty dish combines ground beef and potatoes, creating layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone coming back for more. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Hobo casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal without fuss.

Don’t you love finding meals that allow for flexibility? Using ingredients you already have on hand makes cooking feel less daunting and much more rewarding. Hobo casserole embodies this spirit, turning ordinary days into extraordinary ones.

Classic Hobo Casserole

Fundamentals

Hobo casserole stands out for its simplicity, making it perfect for families and busy individuals alike. It combines ground beef, potatoes, and a few seasonings, transforming them into a cohesive dish. This casserole not only satisfies hunger but also fills hearts with warmth and nostalgia.

Potatoes play a crucial role in this recipe. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them the perfect base for this dish. Meanwhile, ground beef contributes richness, while cheeses add indulgence. This combination offers a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Preparation and Setup

To get started with hobo casserole, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the casserole to bake evenly while producing a beautiful golden crust. While the oven warms up, wash and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/4 inch. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even cuts, ensuring that the potatoes cook uniformly.

Chop a medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These aromatic ingredients pack a flavorful punch that enhances the overall taste of the casserole. They also fill the kitchen with a delightful aroma as you sauté them in olive oil.

Ingredients

The ingredients for hobo casserole are straightforward and familiar. Here’s what you need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup milk (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients unite to create layers of flavor, ensuring every bite of hobo casserole delights the palate.

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and tender.
2. Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
3. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef, then top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. This creates a cheesy topping that becomes irresistibly melted and bubbly in the oven.
5. Pour the beef broth (and milk, if using) over the entire dish. This liquid infuses moisture, ensuring the potatoes cook properly and adding depth to the overall flavor.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Once time is up, remove the foil, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top, and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.
7. After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve.

Perfecting your Hobo Casserole

Technique

When making hobo casserole, consider the layering. Properly layering the ingredients ensures that each component cooks evenly and melds flavors beautifully. Ensure that the potatoes are evenly spread to achieve the best texture throughout.

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the beef allows for their flavorful oils to release, creating a rich base for the dish. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor, sealing in juices that keep the meat moist.

Tips and Tricks

1. Slice Potatoes Evenly: Aim for uniform thickness to achieve consistent cooking. Thinly sliced potatoes tend to cook faster and absorb flavors effectively.
2. Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preferences. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or some dried herbs can take this dish to another level.
3. Use Leftover Vegetables: Think of adding ingredients such as bell peppers, corn, or carrots to use up vegetables in your fridge. This adds extra flavor and nutrition to your casserole.

Variations and Troubleshooting

Perfecting Results

Every oven runs slightly differently, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. Checking for doneness after the foil is removed ensures that the cheese reaches the desired level of browning without becoming overly dry.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while still allowing the casserole to cook through. Adjusting baking times based on your specific oven can lead to the perfect hobo casserole every time.

Troubleshooting

If you find that the potatoes haven’t fully cooked after the designated baking time, you can cover the dish again and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwaving individual portions can speed up the cooking process for those impatient moments.

Should you find your casserole too dry, consider adding extra beef broth or milk during baking to keep it moist. Insufficient liquid can lead to a drier outcome.

Serving and Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hobo casserole warm, directly from the baking dish. A large spoon works well to scoop generous portions for each plate. The layers of cheese, beef, and potatoes create a visual feast, enticing everyone to dig in.

Consider pairing the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheating in the oven helps retain the texture of the casserole; cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Individual portions also work well in the microwave for quick meals during the week.

For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheating frozen portions requires thawing overnight in the refrigerator before baking at 350°F until heated through.

Conclusion

Hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes serves as a perfect dish for any family gathering or cozy weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this recipe brings everyone together. The simple steps ensure that anyone can create a delicious meal with ease.

Embrace the joy of home cooking with this hobo casserole. Its combination of familiar ingredients and satisfying flavors will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire. Whether eaten fresh from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

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

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Description

A simple yet satisfying dish combining ground beef and potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup milk (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and tender.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture and half of the cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef, then top with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
6. Pour beef broth (and milk, if using) over the entire dish.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes; then remove the foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. Customize seasoning according to your preference.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: casserole, beef, potatoes, family dinner, comfort food