If you’ve been hunting for a meal that’s comforting, hearty, and won’t have you standing in the kitchen all night, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is about to be your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese all baked together in one dish. It’s the kind of homestyle beef casserole that satisfies the whole table — from picky kids to hungry adults — without breaking the bank or your evening schedule.
This is more than just a ground beef casserole recipe; it’s an old-fashioned beef and potato dish with modern weeknight convenience. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student feeding a crowd, or someone who just loves cheesy beef and potato bakes, you’re going to want this one in your rotation.
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Ingredients for the Perfect Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Before we get to the oven magic, let’s talk about what goes into this layered beef potato cheese dish. These simple ingredients are easy to find, budget-friendly, and bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – The star of the show. Choose 80/20 for flavor or leaner for less grease.
- 4–5 medium potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick – Russets or Yukon Golds work beautifully.
Cheese & Seasonings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Brings that herb-filled aroma.
- ½ tsp paprika – A touch of color and warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
Sauce & Liquid Components
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- ½ cup beef broth – Gives moisture and rich flavor.
- ¼ cup milk (optional) – Adds creaminess.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
Tip: Want to try a twist? Swap regular potatoes for white sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, colorful version.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
We’re keeping things simple here, but that doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. Follow these steps for a perfect oven-baked ground beef and potatoes dish every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash, peel if you like, and slice your potatoes into thin ¼-inch rounds. Thin slices mean they’ll cook through without overbaking the cheese. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, another 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, then season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
If you’re in the mood for a different protein twist, check out this canned corned beef recipe — it also works beautifully in a casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a baking dish. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by half the beef mixture, then a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers: potatoes, remaining beef, more cheddar.
Pour beef broth evenly over the top. If you want extra creaminess, drizzle the optional milk over as well.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. This traps the steam and helps cook the potatoes evenly. Remove the foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
For potato lovers, you might enjoy our crispy breakfast potatoes as a fun side to this dish — yes, more potatoes, but when has that ever been a problem?
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and watch it disappear fast.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Slice potatoes thin so they cook evenly with the beef.
- Layer cheese inside the casserole, not just on top, for maximum gooeyness.
- Add milk along with the broth if you want a creamier texture.
- Cover while baking to keep everything moist, then uncover for that golden crust.
Variations & Customizations
One of the beauties of this easy beef and potato oven bake is how adaptable it is.
- Spicy Version – Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian Twist – Use mushrooms or lentils instead of beef, similar to our vegetarian beef stroganoff.
- Ultra-Cheesy – Double the cheddar or mix in mozzarella for a gooier pull.
- Sweet Potato Swap – Try this with sweet potatoes using the method from our white sweet potatoes crispy roasted guide.
What to Serve with Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
This hearty dish plays well with lighter sides:
- Garlic bread for dipping into cheesy layers.
- Steamed green beans for freshness.
- A Caesar salad for crunch and tang.
If you’re after another potato fix, our country potatoes oven crispy golden make a perfect sidekick.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Sharp cheddar for flavor, but mix in mozzarella or provolone for extra melt.
Yes, use a slow cooker — layer ingredients as instructed and cook on low for 5–6 hours.
Yes, naturally — just make sure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Absolutely — they cook in about the same time and add a subtle sweetness.
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty, comforting layered casserole with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese baked to perfection — the ultimate weeknight dinner hero.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup milk (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice potatoes into thin ¼-inch rounds. Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grease baking dish. Layer potatoes, half beef mixture, cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
- Pour beef broth over top. Add milk if using.
- Cover with foil, bake 35–40 minutes. Remove foil, top with Parmesan, bake 10 minutes until golden.
- Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Slice potatoes thin for even cooking. Layer cheese inside for maximum melt. Cover during baking for tenderness, then uncover for a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Final Thoughts
When it comes to comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to eat, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, affordable, and endlessly adaptable, making it a weeknight dinner hero. Whether you keep it classic with layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese, or give it your own flavorful twist, it’s a guaranteed hit at the table.
Now go ahead — grab that baking dish, slice those potatoes, and make a casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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