Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a family favorite that combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into one delicious dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this comforting meal is easy to prepare and will win over both kids and adults alike. With its warm flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty meal that appeals to all ages, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
- One-Pan Wonder: All ingredients are baked together in one dish, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or cheeses based on what you have on hand.
- Comfort Food Delight: The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese creates a warm and satisfying experience.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, gather the necessary tools and equipment for smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is ideal for cooking the casserole evenly while providing enough space for all the ingredients.
- Large skillet: A quality skillet helps brown the ground beef properly, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping onions and slicing potatoes quickly and safely.
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: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef:
Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Break apart with a spoon while cooking.
Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet:
Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Stir until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish:
Spread cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Arrange potatoes on top; season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef:
Pour beef broth (or water) around edges of casserole to keep moisture.
Optionally drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Bake
Cover casserole with aluminum foil:
Bake for 30 minutes.
Afterward:
Remove foil; bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Hobo Casserole Ground Beef!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to delight your family or guests.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Parmesan cheese paired with Caesar dressing complement the casserole well.
As a Family Style Meal
- Serve in the Baking Dish: Present the casserole directly from the oven for a rustic feel. Let everyone scoop their portion.
- Individual Portions: Divide into personal baking dishes for a cozy touch, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
With Condiments and Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top provides creaminess that balances the flavors.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love spice, offering hot sauce can enhance the meal’s flavor profile.
Accompanying Beverages
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
- Red Wine: A light red wine complements the flavors of ground beef beautifully.
How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
To achieve the best results with your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, follow these handy tips.
- seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Adjust salt and pepper levels to your taste for more robust flavor.
- Layer strategically: Ensure even cooking by layering potatoes and beef properly. Start with beef at the bottom.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
- Check potato doneness: Always test potatoes before removing from the oven; they should be fork-tender.
Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up delicious juices from the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition; steam them lightly for best texture.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and freshness that balances the hearty casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness; sprinkle with butter and seasonings for extra flair.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a delightful contrast to creamy textures in the casserole.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf offers a neutral base that absorbs flavors beautifully without overpowering the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few missteps when preparing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season your beef and potatoes can lead to bland flavors. Always season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.
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Overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim for just browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Not layering properly: If you don’t layer the ingredients correctly, some parts may cook unevenly. Ensure that the beef is at the bottom and potatoes on top for even cooking.
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Using old potatoes: Old or sprouted potatoes can affect texture and taste. Always use fresh potatoes for the best results.
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Neglecting moisture: Not adding enough broth or water can result in dry potatoes. Pour beef broth or water around the edges to keep everything moist.
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Skipping the foil cover: Baking without foil can cause the top to burn before everything cooks through. Cover your casserole for part of the cooking time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hobo Casserole Ground Beef and their answers:
What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting dish made with layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese baked together until deliciously tender.
Can I customize Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or try different cheeses based on your preference.
How long does it take to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
The total time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including preparation and baking.
Is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it easy to enjoy later.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on what you have available. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal prep option, this casserole will surely satisfy everyone’s cravings. Give it a try!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese for a delicious dish the whole family will love. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Layer cooked beef mixture in the baking dish. Top with thinly sliced potatoes and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over potatoes. Pour beef broth around the edges for moisture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
