The Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart. This dish brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese in a comforting casserole. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and satisfying taste.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Casserole
- For Garnish
- How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Step 4: Bake
- Step 5: Serve
- How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Pair with Fresh Salads
- Add Some Bread
- Include Additional Proteins
- How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
- Can I customize my Hobo Casserole?
- How do I make Hobo Casserole healthier?
- How long does Hobo Casserole last in the fridge?
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect for busy nights.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese creates a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the cheeses.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The familiar ingredients and flavors make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Mandoline slicer (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet helps you cook the ground beef evenly and allows for easy mixing of ingredients.
- Baking dish: The 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for creating layers in your casserole, ensuring even cooking.
- Mandoline slicer: Using this tool guarantees uniform potato slices, which leads to consistent cooking throughout the dish.
Ingredients
To make this comforting Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole
- 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 extra creaminess)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared baking dish:
1. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
2. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
4. Pour beef broth (or water) around edges of casserole to keep potatoes moist. Optionally drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Step 4: Bake
Cover your casserole with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Serving Hobo Casserole with ground beef can be a delightful experience for your family. This dish is not only filling but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with various sides and garnishes.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the savory flavors perfectly.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread adds a delicious crunch and is perfect for scooping up leftovers.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for soaking up the delicious sauce around the casserole.
Include Additional Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: For those looking for extra protein, grilled chicken seasoned with herbs makes a great addition.
- Sausage Links: Adding sausage links on the side enhances the hearty nature of the meal.
How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
To make your Hobo Casserole truly standout, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your dish.
- Bold seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add more spices like garlic powder or onion powder to enhance flavor.
- Layering technique: Ensure even layers of potatoes for consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Cover while baking: Covering your casserole initially helps retain moisture for tender potatoes.
- Rest before serving: Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Complement your Hobo Casserole ground beef with these tasty side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall appeal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a nutritious touch.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans pair well with ground beef casseroles.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf offers an excellent base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and texture to your plate.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can serve as a refreshing palate cleanser after this rich dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, it’s easy to overlook a few key aspects that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Underseasoning the dish: Without enough seasoning, your casserole may taste bland. Always season each layer, especially the potatoes.
- Using uneven potato slices: If your potato slices are not uniform, they will cook unevenly. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.
- Skipping the browning step: Not properly browning the ground beef can result in a less flavorful casserole. Take time to brown it well before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you bake too long, the potatoes can become mushy. Check for tenderness around the 45-minute mark.
- Neglecting to cover while baking: Failing to cover your casserole initially can lead to dry potatoes. Cover with foil for the first half of baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hobo Casserole Ground Beef in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and reheat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty dish made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, baked together until golden.
Can I customize my Hobo Casserole?
Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I make Hobo Casserole healthier?
To make it healthier, use lean ground beef and add more veggies while reducing cheese quantity.
How long does Hobo Casserole last in the fridge?
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
Final Thoughts
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is an appealing and versatile dish that makes weeknight dinners simple yet satisfying. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this recipe is perfect for customization—add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese! Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal that brings everyone together at the table.
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintHobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. Layered with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this casserole is ideal for family dinners or cozy weeknights. Easy to prepare, it requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves happy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook olive oil and ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- In the baking dish, layer the beef mixture followed by potatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and topped with cheeses.
- Pour beef broth around the edges. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
