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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty family dinner. It features tender slices of seasoned potatoes, savory ground beef and onions, all topped with bubbly, golden cheese. This dish uses readily available, simple ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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)

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil
  • Mandoline slicer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  4. Transfer the ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes on top and season generously with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef and potato layers. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges. Optionally, drizzle milk for creaminess.
  6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For even cooking, slice potatoes uniformly. Drain excess fat from ground beef for a cleaner texture. Season every layer for maximum flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheese choices like Colby Jack or smoked gouda. Allow the casserole to rest after baking for flavors to meld and cleaner slices. Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or peas for a veggie boost. A pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder can add warmth. Ground turkey or Italian sausage are alternatives to ground beef. For a creamier texture, mix cream of mushroom/chicken soup with beef broth. Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven.