Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Dish

This rustic Hobo Casserole combines humble ingredients into a comforting meal that reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese transform into a hearty one-dish wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.

This casserole has been my secret weapon for years when I need to feed a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. My children request it almost weekly, and I've found it's the perfect recipe to take to potlucks where it consistently disappears first.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base and rich flavor
• Potatoes: Create a filling starchy layer that becomes tender and soaks up all the savory juices
• Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish
• Beef broth: Ensures the potatoes cook properly and adds depth of flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden brown crust and creamy texture
• Italian seasoning: Blends multiple herbs in one convenient mix for classic flavor
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and slice your potatoes to exactly 1/4 inch thickness. Consistency in the potato slices ensures they cook evenly throughout the casserole. If sliced too thick, they may remain firm in the center while too thin will cause them to disintegrate.

Create the Flavor Foundation:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will impart a bitter taste to the entire dish.

Season the Meat:

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper evenly over the meat. Cook until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining, about 7 to 8 minutes. The browning process creates deep flavor compounds that will permeate the entire casserole.

Layer with Precision:

Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place half the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern across the bottom. Spread half the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the beef. Repeat these layers exactly, creating a symmetrical building of flavors.

Add Moisture:

Pour the beef broth carefully around the edges of the dish, allowing it to seep down through the layers. If using milk, combine it with the broth before pouring. This liquid is crucial as it will steam and cook the potatoes while creating a savory sauce that binds everything together.

Perfect the Bake:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam which is essential for cooking the potatoes properly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, then remove the foil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and return to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

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My family's favorite variation includes adding a layer of frozen corn between the beef and cheese. The sweet kernels pop against the savory background, adding both flavor and a splash of color. I discovered this addition one winter evening when trying to stretch the meal for unexpected guests, and it's been our standard version ever since.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole actually benefits from being made in advance. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then proceed with the baking instructions. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time for a refrigerated casserole.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative to beef. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a nutritional boost and slightly sweeter profile. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts sautéed with the same seasonings, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cheese varieties can also be switched based on your preferences mozzarella for a stringier texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition to complete the meal. For a more substantial spread, add warm crusty bread with butter or dinner rolls. In summer months, pair with sliced fresh tomatoes sprinkled with salt and herbs for a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting casserole.

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This Hobo Casserole will bring comfort and joy to your family dinners again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for beef in this casserole?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance the flavor.

→ Do I need to boil the potatoes before assembling the casserole?

No pre-boiling is necessary if you slice the potatoes thinly (about ¼-inch thick). The potatoes will cook perfectly during the covered baking time with the added liquid from the broth and optional milk.

→ What sides go well with this casserole?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or dinner rolls complement this hearty dish nicely. Since it contains meat and potatoes, it works well as a complete meal on its own with just a light side.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw completely before cooking. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, then portion and freeze. Reheat covered at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.

→ Why is it called a 'Hobo Casserole'?

The term 'hobo' refers to the simple, hearty meals made with affordable ingredients that could be easily prepared with minimal equipment, reminiscent of meals cooked by traveling workers during the Great Depression era. This casserole features inexpensive, filling ingredients like potatoes and ground beef.