Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal! Layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese come together in a simple, one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a budget-friendly favorite bursting with hearty, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup milk (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and thinly slice the potatoes to about ¼-inch thickness. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, then season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese. Pour the beef broth and optional milk evenly over the entire dish.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Thinly slice the potatoes to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and tenderness.
• Add extra cheese inside the layers, not just on top, for a super cheesy result.
• Include ¼ cup of milk in the broth mixture for a creamier texture.
• Keep the casserole covered while baking to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
• For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef.
• Try a vegetarian version using mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
• Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutritious alternative.
• Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for extra gooeyness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist and delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake it when ready. This makes it convenient for busy days.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar cheese works wonderfully, but mixing in mozzarella and Parmesan adds great flavor and a gooey texture.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, tender thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is a delicious family-friendly meal that combines savory, cheesy, and hearty flavors in every bite.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about ¼ inch thick)

Cheese & Seasonings

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Groceries – Sauce & Liquid Components

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup milk (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and thinly slice the potatoes to approximately ¼-inch thickness for even cooking. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese. Pour the beef broth and optional milk evenly over the entire casserole to keep it moist during baking.
4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld. Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve & Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty and cheesy comfort food.

Notes

• Thinly slice potatoes to about ¼ inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
• For extra cheesy layers, add cheese not only on top but also in between layers.
• Milk is optional but recommended for a creamier casserole texture.
• Covering the casserole during baking helps retain moisture and prevents the dish from drying out.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure broth and seasonings do not contain gluten additives.
• Variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat, substituting mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version, or using sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze unbaked wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of broth for moisture.

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, potato casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, one-pan meal, family dinner, baked casserole