Hobo Ground Beef Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4-5 medium potatoes, cut into thin slices
02 - 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
03 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 1 pound of ground beef (lean)

→ Cheese and Seasonings

05 - ½ teaspoon of smoky paprika
06 - A sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, as preferred
07 - ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan
08 - 1 teaspoon of an herb mix (Italian-style)
09 - 1½ cups of shredded cheddar (melt-friendly)

→ Liquids and Oils

10 - ½ cup of beef broth or plain water
11 - 1 tablespoon of olive oil
12 - Optional: ¼ cup of milk for creamier layers

→ Garnish

13 - Chopped parsley leaves (optional for topping)

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to heat at 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9x13 pan lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.
02 - Warm the olive oil in a wide pan on medium. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook for 5-7 minutes until brown. Scoop away extra grease, if there is any.
03 - Toss in the diced onion and crushed garlic with the beef. Let it continue cooking for 3-4 minutes till the onions look soft and a little clear.
04 - Spoon the meat mixture into the greased pan. Spread the cut potatoes evenly over it. Sprinkle on the seasoning mix, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lastly, cover it all with both cheeses.
05 - Drizzle the beef stock or water around the edges of the dish. You can also pour in milk for some extra richness, if you'd like.
06 - Use foil to cover the top, and bake for half an hour. Then take off the foil and bake it uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes soften and the cheese gets lovely and golden.
07 - Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Add parsley on top if you want, then dig in while it's hot and gooey!

# Notes:

01 - Layers of melted cheese, beef, and potatoes create a cozy dish the whole family will love.
02 - To make sure your potatoes cook evenly, aim for thin and consistent slices.
03 - Taking time to brown the meat well really boosts the flavor. Don't forget to drain the grease!