Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into a satisfying dish. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to option for feeding the whole family.

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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 Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
• Step 4: Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish
• Step 5: Add Cheese and Broth
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
• Pair with a Fresh Salad
• Accompany with Bread
• Add a Touch of Heat
• How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
• Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe?
• Can I customize this Hobo Casserole?
• How long does it take to make Hobo Casserole?
• What sides pair well with Hobo Casserole?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe can be prepared in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, this casserole is easy on your wallet.
• Hearty and Filling: With layers of meat, potatoes, and cheese, it’s a fulfilling dish that will keep everyone satisfied.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to personalize the dish to your family’s taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mandoline slicer (optional)
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing you to easily mix in other ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for layering all the ingredients, ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Mandoline slicer: Useful for slicing potatoes thinly and uniformly, which helps them cook evenly.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 pound 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
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet:
1. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
2. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish:
1. Layer thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, slightly overlapping them.
2. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broth

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top:
1. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the dish to keep potatoes moist during baking.
2. Optionally drizzle milk over potatoes for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes at preheated temperature.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired:
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Serving Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is all about adding the right accompaniments to enhance its hearty flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions that can elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds a rich and creamy element that pairs well with the casserole’s flavors.

Accompany with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the cheesy layers of the casserole, making every bite delightful.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the dish.

Add a Touch of Heat

• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can spice things up and add an extra kick.
• Pickled Jalapeños: These tangy slices can provide a zesty flavor boost that contrasts nicely with the casserole’s richness.

How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

To make your Hobo Casserole truly stand out, consider these helpful tips for perfection in every bite.

• Bold Browning Technique: Ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly for a deeper flavor and less grease.
• Consistent Potato Slices: Slice potatoes evenly using a mandoline for uniform cooking and texture.
• Flavor Boosting Options: Add additional spices or herbs like thyme or rosemary for more aromatic flavor.
• Creaminess Factor: Incorporate milk or heavy cream for an extra layer of creaminess that enhances the dish.
• Cover Properly While Baking: Covering initially helps steam the potatoes; remove foil later to achieve a golden crust.
• Garnish Creatively: Use fresh herbs as a garnish to not only add color but also enhance freshness in flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

When planning your meal, consider pairing your Hobo Casserole with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent choices that will enhance your dining experience.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy green contrast to the casserole’s richness.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and natural sweetness to balance savory flavors.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, cutting through the heaviness of the casserole.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be an indulgent addition if you want even more comfort food!
5. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring vibrant color and flavor while being easy to prepare.
6. Baked Beans: This sweet and savory side is a classic pairing that complements beef casseroles perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the delicious Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a perfect dish.

• Not Browning the Beef Properly: Fully browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbly before adding other ingredients.
• Using Thick Potato Slices: Thick slices can result in uneven cooking. Aim for thin, even slices to ensure the potatoes cook through perfectly.
• Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season at every step for a well-rounded taste.
• Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Overcrowding can hinder even cooking. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for optimal layering and heat circulation.
• Not Covering While Baking Initially: Covering the dish keeps moisture in during the first half of baking. Always cover with foil before uncovering for a golden finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Best enjoyed within 2-3 months after freezing.

Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 25 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe?

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a hearty dish featuring ground beef layered with potatoes and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.

Can I customize this Hobo Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or swap out cheeses based on your preference.

How long does it take to make Hobo Casserole?

This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 50 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour and 5 minutes.

What sides pair well with Hobo Casserole?

Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your family’s tastes or what you have on hand. Give it a try; it may just become your go-to weeknight dinner!

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