Description
Cozy Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring ground beef or turkey sautéed with onions and garlic, layered with sliced potatoes and seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, then baked with a cheesy topping until golden and bubbly. This easy casserole combines simple ingredients into a satisfying classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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 later.
- Sauté Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, around 3-4 minutes.
- Layer Potatoes: Evenly arrange the sliced potatoes over the cooked beef mixture in the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Mix and Pour Broth Mixture: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, optional milk, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and beef.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly 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. This helps the potatoes cook through and the flavors meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley. Let it cool briefly before serving to enjoy this comforting dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- The milk in the broth mixture is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative.
- Using Russet potatoes will give a fluffier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier bite.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the beef broth is labeled gluten-free.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
