Easy & Flavorful Ground Beef Hobo Casserole 🍲🥔✨
1. Introduction
Discover the ultimate ground beef and potato bake with this irresistible Hobo Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this rustic comfort food combines tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful seasonings baked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this easy recipe promises a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Dive into the hearty layers and fresh flavors that make this dish a family favorite.
2. Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Potato Bake
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Hobo Casserole
Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the potatoes thinly and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics and Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Layer the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes, then spread cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat layers if necessary. Pour the beef broth evenly over the layers to keep everything moist.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
4. Tips for Perfect Results in Your Ground Beef and Potato Bake
For best results, use a sharp knife for slicing potatoes to ensure even thickness. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. To make it healthier, opt for low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt topping instead of cheese.
5. Storing and Reheating Your Hobo Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This versatile dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
6. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Complement this hearty casserole with a side of creamy ground beef pasta or a fresh green salad. For extra crunch, top with crushed crackers or fried onion strings just before serving.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes! You can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this rustic comfort food. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare and Cook?
The total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with about 50 minutes of active cooking. Overall, you can expect a delicious southern fried chicken inspired meal on the table in under an hour.
Is This Dish Suitable for Dietary Restrictions?
This casserole is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free beef broth. For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or replace it with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Heavy-duty baking dish – Perfect for even heat distribution and easy cleanup, making your baking experience more enjoyable.
- Sharp chef’s knife – Essential for slicing potatoes thin and evenly, which ensures perfect cooking results.
- Versatile vegetable peeler – Makes peeling potatoes quick and effortless.
- Non-stick baking sheets – Ideal for baking the casserole without sticking, ensuring crispy, golden edges.
Investing in these tools will enhance your cooking efficiency and ensure your ground beef and potato bake turns out perfectly every time.
9. Conclusion
This Hobo Casserole recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy rustic comfort food with minimal effort. Combining the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, this versatile ground beef and potato bake will become a staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
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Easy & Flavorful Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Discover the delicious and hearty Easy & Flavorful Ground Beef Hobo Casserole, a rustic comfort food perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful baked dish combines tender ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese for an irresistible family-friendly meal. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a classic casserole that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the potatoes thinly and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes, then spread cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat layers if necessary. Pour the beef broth evenly over the layers to keep everything moist.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife for slicing potatoes to ensure even thickness.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Opt for low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt topping instead of cheese for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free broth)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg