Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole through the step of adding the cheese and broth, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time to account for the casserole starting cold from the refrigerator.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

Pierce the potato layer with a sharp knife or fork in the center of the casserole after the foil is removed. The knife should slide in and out completely without resistance. Any resistance indicates the potatoes need more time. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and check again in 5-minute intervals until the potatoes are fully tender throughout.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey is an excellent lighter substitute that works beautifully in this casserole. The finished dish will be slightly less rich and savory than the ground beef version but equally comforting and satisfying. Season the turkey generously before cooking as it is a milder meat than beef and benefits from more assertive seasoning in the skillet.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe

Description

The most hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef made with browned ground beef and onion layered under thinly sliced potatoes seasoned with Italian spices and paprika topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan baked golden in a 9×13 dish. A deeply satisfying family dinner ready in just over an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ground Beef

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 medium Yellow Onion chopped

2 cloves Garlic minced

4 to 5 medium Potatoes thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated

1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning

1/2 tsp Paprika

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/2 cup Beef Broth or Water

1/4 cup Whole Milk optional for extra creaminess

Fresh Parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

4. Spread beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in an overlapping layer over the beef covering completely.

6. Season potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

7. Scatter shredded cheddar and Parmesan evenly over the potatoes.

8. Pour beef broth around the edges of the casserole. Drizzle milk over the cheese if using.

9. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 30 minutes.

10. Remove foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbling.

11. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Slice potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible for even cooking throughout.

Brown ground beef properly for the deepest savory flavor in the finished casserole.

Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture. Russets will break down more.

Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest most golden melt.

Store refrigerated up to 3 to 4 days. Freeze tightly wrapped up to 2 to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: hobo casserole ground beef, ground beef potato casserole, cheesy ground beef casserole, easy family dinner casserole recipe