Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese. This simple yet satisfying casserole is perfect for family meals or gatherings, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and easy preparation.

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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
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
• Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 4: Bake
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
• Pair with Fresh Salads
• Add Some Bread
• Top It Off
• How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
• Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
• Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different types of meat?
• How do I customize my Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
• What is the best way to serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze after your meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables or cheeses based on your family’s preferences.
• Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with protein and carbs, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Hobo Casserole stores well in the fridge, making it great for lunch the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment will help you prepare this delicious casserole with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Mandoline slicer (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic to develop flavor.
• Baking Dish: A sturdy dish is needed to hold all the ingredients while baking evenly.
• Mandoline Slicer: This tool helps achieve uniform potato slices for even cooking, though it’s optional.

Ingredients

For this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe, you’ll need the following 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

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How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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 thinly sliced potatoes on top.
3. Season layers with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
5. Pour beef broth (or water) around edges to keep potatoes moist. Optionally drizzle milk for added creaminess.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then:
– Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Hobo Casserole Ground Beef!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo casserole with ground beef is a delicious, comforting dish that is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons adds a refreshing contrast.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers can lighten the meal and add freshness.

Add Some Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread can complement the savory flavors of the casserole perfectly.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are excellent for soaking up any extra sauce or broth from the casserole.

Top It Off

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can add creaminess and a slight tang to each bite.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavors.

How to Perfect Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Perfecting your hobo casserole with ground beef involves a few simple tips that can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some helpful suggestions.

• Bold Flavoring: Use plenty of seasoning like Italian herbs and paprika to enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Even Slicing: Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking; this ensures they become tender at the same time.
• Moisture Control: Pour beef broth around the edges to keep potatoes moist while baking; avoid drying out.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends for added flavor; consider using mozzarella or gouda along with cheddar.
• Rest Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes portioning easier.

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Best Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Serving hobo casserole with ground beef is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide color and nutrients to your meal.
2. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the casserole.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a hearty side that pairs well with savory dishes like hobo casserole.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness and is fun to eat alongside this dish.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an excellent side that matches the potato theme.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to this hearty meal.
7. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers natural sweetness and brightens up your plate beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not cooking the ground beef thoroughly can lead to a greasy and bland casserole. Always brown the beef well before adding other ingredients.
• Uneven potato slices: Cutting potatoes inconsistently may result in uneven cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices to ensure even texture.
• Over-seasoning or under-seasoning: It’s important to balance flavors. Taste as you go, and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference for optimal seasoning.
• Not covering while baking: Failing to cover the casserole can cause the top to burn while the potatoes remain undercooked. Cover with aluminum foil until the final minutes of baking.
• Ignoring the resting time: Serving immediately after baking can make it hard to cut and serve. Let your casserole rest for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Use within 3-4 days for best taste.

Freezing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through (about 5-10 minutes).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef.

Can I use different types of meat?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage in place of ground beef. Each will bring its unique flavor profile.

How do I customize my Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Adjust seasonings based on what you like!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What is the best way to serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

This casserole pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. It’s perfect as a comforting family meal!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans along with vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is not only hearty but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices. It’s perfect for family dinners and sure to please everyone at the table, so give it a try!

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