Description
Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Homestyle Hobo Casserole is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights. Made with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a dinnertime staple!
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Incorporate the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the beef is evenly seasoned.
- Assemble the Casserole: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Layer the remaining potato slices on top of the beef mixture.
- Add Liquid: Pour the beef broth (and milk, if using) over the layered mixture to provide moisture during baking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
-
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
- This casserole freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American