Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef! This recipe is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked together in one dish. It’s simple to prepare, satisfying, and filled with classic flavors everyone will love.

Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together familiar ingredients in a deliciously convenient way. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes makes for a filling meal that can be served any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish is a time-saver and sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. With minimal prep and a short baking time, you can have a warm and delicious dinner on the table in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare

This casserole is simple to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick dinner idea.

2. Comforting and Hearty

Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this casserole is filling and provides a comforting, homey meal.

3. One-Pot Meal

Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup easy and hassle-free.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite veggies, swap the cheese, or adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.

5. Family-Friendly

This dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit at family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Olive oil
Medium onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Dried Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Beef broth or water
Milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Veggie Boost: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to spice things up.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic

Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broth

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to help keep everything moist. For extra creaminess, drizzle the milk over the potatoes.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thin Potato Slices: Make sure the potatoes are sliced thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Add More Flavor: Experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or thyme for added depth of flavor.
Use Leftover Beef: If you have leftover cooked beef, you can easily use it in this casserole for a quicker prep.
Cover with Foil: Covering the casserole with foil helps the potatoes cook faster and stay moist. Remove the foil near the end to allow the cheese to brown.

How to Serve

Serve the Hobo Casserole with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on top for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well in this recipe as a substitute for ground beef.

2. Can I skip the milk in the recipe?

Yes, the milk is optional. You can leave it out if you prefer a less creamy casserole.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day according to the instructions.

5. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. The cheese should also be bubbly and golden.

6. Can I use frozen potatoes?

If you’re using frozen potatoes, make sure to thaw them first, or they may release too much moisture while baking.

7. Can I make a smaller batch of this casserole?

You can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish, such as an 8×8-inch baking pan.

8. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack to create different flavor profiles.

10. Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings comfort to any dinner table. With its layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family meal. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this casserole will quickly become a favorite!