Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

The Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a delightful dish that brings together the comfort of home cooking and the ease of a one-pan meal. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something warm and filling. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, it promises to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This casserole comes together quickly with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese creates a rich taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
• One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy the convenience of cooking and serving from a single baking dish, which means less cleanup for you.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Mandoline slicer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef evenly while allowing room for sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for layering ingredients in your casserole, ensuring even cooking.
• Mandoline slicer: Helps achieve uniform potato slices for consistent texture throughout the dish.

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). While it’s heating up, grease your 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.
3. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 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 across the bottom.
2. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top.
3. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
5. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep everything moist. Optionally drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Bake

Cover your casserole tightly with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a few extra touches, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing complement the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Topped with Extras

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top brings creaminess and a slight tang.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick, drizzle some hot sauce for added flavor.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread serves as an excellent side to scoop up the casserole.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be used to soak up the flavorful broth from the dish.

How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

To make your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef even better, follow these simple tips.

• bold Choose Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
• bold Layering is Key: Ensure even cooking by layering potatoes and cheese properly.
• bold Season Generously: Don’t skip on seasoning. It enhances flavors throughout the dish.
• bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables can elevate the taste of your casserole significantly.
• bold Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Pairing your Hobo Casserole with perfect side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. bold Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide nutrition and balance.
2. bold Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness next to the hearty casserole.
3. bold Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for an indulgent pairing, perfect for potato lovers.
4. bold Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a comforting contrast to savory flavors in the casserole.
5. bold Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned, roasted asparagus adds elegance and flavor.
6. bold Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs well with the savory notes of ground beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef well can result in a bland flavor. Always cook until it’s nicely browned to enhance the taste.
• Uneven potato slices: Cutting potatoes unevenly leads to inconsistent cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
• Overcooking the casserole: Baking the casserole for too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on it and check for tenderness at the recommended time.
• Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to season the layers can make your casserole taste flat. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs throughout the layers.
• Ignoring liquid levels: Not adding enough liquid may result in dry potatoes. Ensure you pour broth or water around the edges as directed.

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 days.

Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of liquid and stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty dish made with ground beef, layered potatoes, and cheese. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.

Can I customize my Hobo Casserole?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also swap cheeses based on your preference.

How do I make my Hobo Casserole healthier?

To make it healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also add more vegetables and reduce cheese quantities.

Can I prepare Hobo Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What sides pair well with Hobo Casserole?

A fresh salad or steamed vegetables complement this casserole nicely, adding freshness to your meal.

Final Thoughts

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is not only delicious but also versatile. Its comforting flavors appeal to everyone at the dinner table. Feel free to customize it according to your preferences by adding veggies or adjusting seasonings. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

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• Author: Leslie
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese for a hearty family meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for everyone at the table. With the ability to customize ingredients to suit your taste, this casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fresh salad or creamy garlic bread, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and flavor of this classic comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Beef broth or water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
4. Layer the cooked beef mixture in the baking dish followed by sliced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
5. Pour beef broth around the edges of the casserole and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition. Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.