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When my family starts craving comfort food on a busy weeknight, I turn to this hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table thanks to gooey cheese, flavorful beef, and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes all bubbling together in one pan.
I first threw this together on a night when the pantry was nearly bare and it instantly became a favorite. Even after dozens of times making it we still scrape the dish clean every single time.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: is the backbone for a classic hearty casserole
- Potatoes: slice them evenly for best texture use russets or Yukon gold for creaminess
- Olive oil: pulls flavors together and helps brown the beef
- Onion: adds sweetness and savoriness look for a firm pungent onion to start with
- Garlic: offers deep flavor fresh cloves always beat jarred for this one
- Italian seasoning: brings herbal warmth try making your own mix if you have dried herbs
- Paprika: adds subtle smokiness choose sweet or smoked for variation
- Salt and pepper: balance out all the rich flavors taste as you go
- Shredded cheddar cheese: gets melty and tangy use a sharp cheese for extra punch
- Grated Parmesan cheese: gives the golden flavor crust try to grate it fresh from a wedge
- Beef broth: hydrates and deepens the casserole use low sodium for control
- Milk: optional for a creamier texture whole milk blends best
- Fresh parsley: provides a fresh bright touch sprinkle just before serving
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Skillet:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius and set out a large skillet.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook about three minutes stirring often until fragrant and softened. Add ground beef and break it up with your spoon. Cook until browned five to eight minutes seasoning with Italian seasoning paprika salt and pepper. Drain extra fat if needed so the casserole does not get greasy.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom. Spoon half the beef mixture over potatoes and spread evenly. Sprinkle three quarters cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes beef and cheese.
- Pour in the Liquids:
- In a small bowl stir together beef broth and milk if using then pour this evenly over the whole casserole making sure it seeps through the layers.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in your preheated oven for thirty five to forty minutes or until potatoes are just fork tender.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove foil and top the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese. Return it to the oven uncovered for ten more minutes so the top turns golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for five minutes then garnish with chopped parsley before scooping and serving.
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My favorite part is using thick slices of golden potatoes that soak up all that beefy flavor. My kids always argue about who gets the bubbly corner pieces with extra crispy cheese.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating in the baking dish or an airtight container. They keep well for up to three days. Reheat in the oven loosely covered with foil or use the microwave for quick lunches. This casserole can also be portioned and frozen tightly wrapped for up to two months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version. Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella works instead of cheddar. You can use sweet potatoes for a more nutritious twist or add in sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon big helpings into bowls and top with even more fresh parsley. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or with sauerkraut for a tangy contrast. For a heartier meal a crusty loaf of bread is never a bad idea to soak up all those savory juices.
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A Nod to History
This dish’s humble origins go back to Depression era hobo meals cooked over campfires. Today’s oven version honors that make do spirit by turning basic groceries into something really cozy. Every bite feels a little like a throwback to sharing a meal around a communal table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef. It offers a lighter flavor while still pairing well with potatoes and cheese.
- → How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slice potatoes about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking and soft texture after baking.
- → Is it necessary to use both cheddar and Parmesan cheese?
Combining both cheeses adds depth and a golden crust, but you can use just one if preferred.
- → Can this casserole be made in advance?
Yes, assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve; you may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
This meal pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.