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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

A comforting one-dish wonder featuring ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for families gathered around the dinner table.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Opt for lean beef for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Can be substituted with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
  • 4 medium Potatoes, thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold work well; sweet potatoes can be used for variation.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Pepper jack can be used for an extra kick.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be a substitute for a plant-based version.
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Paprika

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. 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 cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Assembly
  1. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish, then arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef.
  4. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Cooking
  1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Keep an eye on the potatoes to avoid overcooking. Customize the seasoning based on family preferences. Leftover veggies can be added for extra nutrition.