Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delightful blend of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, all baked together for a comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish stands out for its simplicity and heartiness. With an easy preparation process and delicious flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese—making it a hit among kids and adults alike.
- One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one baking dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Comforting Meal: This hearty casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the preparation smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly, which enhances flavor.
- Baking dish: A versatile piece that holds all your ingredients as they bake together beautifully.
- Knife & Cutting board: Necessary for chopping onions and slicing potatoes efficiently.
Ingredients
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is delicious with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese all baked together into a comforting dish. It’s a simple, hearty meal that the whole family will love!
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)
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Use a spoon to break it apart while cooking.
Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
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.
Step 4: Layer Potatoes
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 first.
Arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broth
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef.
Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep potatoes moist while baking.
Optionally drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
After 30 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Serving Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a great way to bring everyone together for a hearty meal. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it versatile for different tastes.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top enhances the presentation and adds a burst of freshness.
- Chives or Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor that complements the beef and potatoes nicely.
With a Side Salad
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons can balance out the flavors of the dish.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: This is an excellent way to soak up any juices on your plate and adds a flavorful twist.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for scooping up casserole portions.
With Condiments
- Hot Sauce: Adding a dash of hot sauce can give an exciting kick if you enjoy some heat.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop can add creaminess and tang that pairs wonderfully with the casserole.
How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
To ensure your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef will enhance the overall flavor of your casserole.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure to layer your ingredients evenly for consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings according to personal preference; try adding garlic powder or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the dish initially helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook through without drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Pairing side dishes with your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoning, they provide a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the casserole.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can offer a refreshing bite alongside the rich flavors of hobo casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes: For potato lovers, serving mashed potatoes can create a comforting double-carb experience!
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment.
- Baked Beans: Their sweetness complements the hearty beef in the casserole perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the layering step: Not layering the potatoes properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always spread the beef mixture first and then layer the potatoes for even baking.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef for too long can make it dry. Aim for just 5-7 minutes until browned for optimal flavor and moisture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season each layer leads to blandness. Season your ground beef, potatoes, and cheese layers to enhance overall taste.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can affect cooking time. Allow your ingredients, especially refrigerated ones, to come to room temperature before cooking.
- Not covering with foil: Failing to cover the casserole initially can cause the potatoes to dry out. Always cover it for the first part of baking to retain moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.
Can I use different meats in Hobo Casserole?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
How do I make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I prepare Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What side dishes pair well with Hobo Casserole?
Simple green salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement this hearty dish nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables or swap cheeses according to your preference. It’s a comforting meal that brings warmth and joy, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Don’t hesitate to try different variations!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the perfect comfort food that brings together layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. This one-dish wonder is a family favorite, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown ground beef for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Layer the beef mixture in the baking dish, followed by thinly sliced potatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese; pour broth around the edges.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
