Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a delightful dish that brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole stands out for its comforting flavors and simple preparation. It’s an ideal option for those looking to create a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This casserole requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of ground beef and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: This recipe makes enough for multiple servings, ensuring delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing room for sautéing vegetables.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering all ingredients, ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
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!
For the Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Potatoes
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
For the Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Moisture
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Garnish
- 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 over medium heat:
Heat the olive oil.
Add the ground beef.
Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add to the skillet:
Chopped onion
Minced garlic
Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 4: Layer Potatoes
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then:
Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top.
Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broth
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the meat:
Pour beef broth (or water) around edges to keep potatoes moist.
Optionally drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover with aluminum foil:
Bake for 30 minutes.
After this time:
Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve your delicious Hobo Casserole Ground Beef hot!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Serving Hobo Casserole Ground Beef can be as simple as dishing it out straight from the oven, but adding a few garnishes or sides can elevate the meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve this comforting dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a splash of color and a hint of freshness that complements the savory flavors.
- Chives: Adding chives can provide a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the richness of the casserole.
Accompanied by Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the heaviness of the casserole.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add an extra layer of texture and taste.
Paired with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every delicious bite.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are great for soaking up any leftover sauce from the casserole.
Served with Sauce
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream brings creaminess and tang, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, a few drops of hot sauce can spice things up.
How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
To ensure your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef will greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole.
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Uniform potato slices ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout the dish.
- Don’t Skip Seasoning: Proper seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs is essential for bringing out all the flavors in your casserole.
- Cover While Baking: Keeping it covered for part of the baking time helps to steam the potatoes, making them tender.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can add unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Pairing side dishes with your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef enhances your dinner experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrition and color to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob complements the savory notes in the casserole perfectly.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs well with hearty dishes like this one.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting addition, perfect for those who love carbs!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of ground beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a bland flavor. Always take time to cook it until browned for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the potatoes: Layering too many potatoes without enough space can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to create an even layer for consistent tenderness.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season each layer will make your casserole taste flat. Season the beef and potatoes separately for enhanced flavor.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can become greasy or rubbery when melted. Opt for good-quality cheddar and Parmesan for better results.
- Not covering while baking: Failing to cover the casserole initially can dry out the potatoes. Cover with foil during the first part of baking to keep moisture in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Freeze in a suitable freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.
What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty dish made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, and cheese baked together into a comforting meal.
Can I customize Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots or use different types of cheese based on your preference.
How long does it take to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
The total time needed is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including prep and cook time.
Is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef kid-friendly?
Yes! This dish is perfect for kids due to its simple flavors and cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages.
Final Thoughts
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to add more veggies or experiment with different cheeses, this recipe invites creativity. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that your family will love!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort dish that brings hearty flavors together in a simple and satisfying meal. This delightful casserole features layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal prep time and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers, this dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach.
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
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until soft.
- Layer the beef mixture in the baking dish followed by sliced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle both cheeses on top and pour beef broth around the edges.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 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: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
