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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

A classic comfort food dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheeses in a simple, one-pan meal that is perfect for families and gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup beef broth or water
  • 0.25 cup milk (optional) for creaminess
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) 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.
  4. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, 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.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. 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.
Baking
  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

This casserole can be served hot right from the oven, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the savory flavors. This casserole also makes excellent leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance!