Description
Cozy Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, tender potatoes, and a flavorful blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfying flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 Onion (yellow or white), chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ cup Beef Broth (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup Milk (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Paprika
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- to taste Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Ground Beef: In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Layer Potatoes: Evenly layer the sliced potatoes over the cooked meat mixture in the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix and Pour Liquid: In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, optional milk, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered beef and potatoes.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses uniformly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the skillet or casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through.
- Uncover and Brown Cheese: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley. Let the casserole cool briefly before serving to enhance flavor and prevent burns.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- Russet potatoes provide a fluffy texture when cooked, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier bite.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the milk and cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly for even cooking within the baking time.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
