Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
This comforting Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate one-dish wonder, bringing together savory seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a generous blanket of melted cheese. It's an effortlessly satisfying meal that warms the soul and makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Perfect for feeding a hungry family with minimal fuss.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
60-70 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Offers a truly satisfying and comforting meal in every bite, reminiscent of classic home cooking.
- A complete and balanced dinner cooked conveniently in a single baking dish, simplifying meal prep.
- Hearty and substantial, making it perfect for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends.
- Highly versatile; easily adapt the seasonings or add extra vegetables to suit your preference.
- Delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes (about 900g-1.1kg), such as Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and thinly sliced (2-3 mm thick)
- 1 medium onion (about 150g), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (about 10g), minced
- 150 grams (1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
- 50 grams (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 grams (1 tsp) dried Italian seasoning
- 5 grams (1 tsp) paprika
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 120 milliliters (½ cup) beef broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Transfer the seasoned beef and onion mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to form the first layer of the casserole.
- Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer over the beef mixture. Overlap them slightly to cover the beef entirely. Season the potatoes generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika. Even seasoning ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Evenly sprinkle both the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the potato layer. Carefully pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the baking dish; this liquid will help steam the potatoes and keep the casserole moist during baking.
- Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Covering the dish traps steam, allowing the potatoes to cook through and become tender without drying out.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your potatoes are sliced uniformly thin (2-3 mm) for even cooking. Inconsistent slices will result in some potatoes being undercooked while others are perfectly tender.
- When browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If cooking a large batch, do it in two portions to allow the beef to sear rather than steam, enhancing its flavor.
- Always drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily and heavy.
- Season the potato layers generously. Potatoes absorb a lot of flavor, and adequate seasoning is key to a well-balanced dish.
- Cover the casserole tightly with foil for the initial baking phase. This creates a steamy environment essential for thoroughly tenderizing the potatoes.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even richer depth of flavor in the beef layer, take an extra 5-7 minutes to caramelize the chopped onions until deeply golden before adding the garlic.
- A splash (about 15 ml or 1 tablespoon) of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar added to the ground beef mixture after draining the fat can significantly boost its umami profile.
- For an irresistible crispy cheese topping, consider sprinkling an extra handful of shredded sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese during the last 5-10 minutes of uncovered baking, allowing it to brown beautifully.
Notes
- Leftovers of this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a moderate oven until heated through.
- For a delightful variation, consider adding a layer of thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers along with the potatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can mix a small amount (about 60 ml or ¼ cup) of heavy cream into the beef broth before pouring it over the layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole up to one day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
What kind of potatoes work best for this casserole?
Starchy potatoes like Russet (Idaho) or Yukon Gold are ideal. They become wonderfully tender and absorb the flavors of the casserole beautifully, contributing to a creamy texture once cooked through.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cheese blend. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would all work well, adding their unique flavors and melting properties to the dish. A sharp provolone or even a smoked Gouda could offer a gourmet twist.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 430, Protein: 29g, Fat: 21g, Carbs: 33g (per serving, estimated based on 6 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. Naturally gluten-free; please ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free if strict dietary requirements apply.
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