Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (¼-inch thickness); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup milk (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

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Introduction

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese come together for a deliciously satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer consists of cooked ground meat, dark brown and crumbly, spread evenly across the dish. On top of the meat are round, thick slices of golden-yellow potatoes with slightly browned edges. The entire top is covered with melted cheese that is creamy yellow with some golden-brown spots, giving a bubbly and slightly crispy look. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the cheese for color. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm colors of the cooked food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup beef broth
¼ cup milk (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes to about ¼-inch thickness.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Step 4: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese. Pour the beef broth and milk (if using) evenly over the top layer.
Step 6: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on flavor and color.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the milk or add a dollop of sour cream before baking.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked casserole in a white oval dish sitting on a white marbled surface, featuring multiple layers visible from the top. The base layer consists of browned ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture, topped generously with evenly spaced slices of yellow, soft cooked potatoes that are slightly browned on the edges. A smooth, melted cheese layer, golden and bubbly in spots, blankets the entire top, with touches of fresh green parsley leaves scattered lightly over it for color contrast. The edges of the dish show some browned and caramelized cheese, adding a rustic appeal. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar also work well and will give the dish a different flavor profile.