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Hobo Casserole

Hobo casserole is a warm, hearty, and flavorful one-dish meal that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners, featuring tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

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)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Start by spreading 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.
  • 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.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. 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.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

Notes

This dish is great on its own but can be served with a fresh side salad or warm bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for lighter options, and feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
Keyword Baked Casserole, comfort food, Easy Dinner, hobo casserole, one-dish meal