This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a delicious, hearty dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. With its layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for weeknight meals or cozy family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and offers rich flavors that will delight everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This dish has something for everyone!
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients makes this recipe easy on your wallet while still being satisfying.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a comforting meal ready in no time.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze after dinner.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a personal touch.
- Family Favorite: The combination of beef and potatoes is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mandoline slicer (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef evenly and sautéing vegetables effectively.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering ingredients and ensuring even cooking.
- Mandoline slicer: Helps achieve uniformly thin potato slices for even cooking (optional but recommended).
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Potato Layer
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Moisture
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly 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:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Break it up as it cooks.
3. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet:
1. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
2. Remove from heat once done.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish:
1. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, slightly overlapping them.
2. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broth
Sprinkle both shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top:
1. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the dish to keep potatoes moist while baking.
2. Optionally drizzle milk over potatoes for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot.
Enjoy your delightful Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe offers a comforting and hearty meal that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair It with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing create a classic side that complements the casserole.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls can be served warm on the side for a satisfying bite.
Top It Off
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang that pairs well with the flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some fresh green onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
To ensure your Hobo Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Browning Technique: Properly brown the ground beef to enhance flavor and reduce grease.
- Uniform Potato Slices: Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking; a mandoline slicer works wonders here.
- Creamy Variation: For extra creaminess, consider adding milk or heavy cream before baking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning; it elevates the dish’s overall taste significantly.
- Covering Matters: Covering the dish while baking keeps moisture in, ensuring tender potatoes.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set up nicely.
Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Pairing sides with your Hobo Casserole enhances its flavors and provides a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy addition that adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sprouts make a tasty side.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes (for potato lovers): If you can’t get enough potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes work well too!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.
- Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim for just browned and remove excess fat.
- Uneven Potato Slices: Thick potato slices may not cook evenly. Use a mandoline for consistent thinness.
- Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season layers can lead to bland casserole. Always season each layer for maximum flavor.
- Insufficient Liquid: Not adding enough broth might dry out the potatoes. Ensure you pour liquid around the edges before covering.
- Removing Foil Too Early: Taking off the foil too soon can prevent even cooking. Keep it covered until potatoes are tender.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze in a well-sealed container or freezer bag.
- Best consumed within 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe?
Hobo Casserole is a hearty dish combining ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and seasonings baked to perfection.
Can I customize my Hobo Casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or swap out cheeses based on your preference.
How do I make a healthier version of Hobo Casserole?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, replace regular cheese with low-fat options, and add more veggies for added nutrition.
What sides go well with Hobo Casserole?
Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal alongside this flavorful casserole.
Final Thoughts
The Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. It’s a budget-friendly option that will surely please the whole family—give it a try!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This hearty casserole layers tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into a comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With just 15 minutes of prep time and everything cooked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze—making it an ideal choice for families on the go. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with olive oil for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
- Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish and layer thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add shredded cheeses and pour beef broth around the edges.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 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: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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