When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals, nothing beats a classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef. This layered dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich melted cheese for a cozy, comforting dinner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep.
The beauty of a hobo casserole lies in its simplicity: basic ingredients come together in a single dish, and the oven does all the work. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of soft potatoes, flavorful beef, and gooey cheese, all enhanced by subtle herbs and seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this recipe promises a hearty meal that’s both comforting and filling.
Ingredients
Servings: 4
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Having your potatoes, onion, and garlic prepped beforehand will streamline the process.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic does not burn.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Next, layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (optional) for extra depth of flavor.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the potatoes. Carefully pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to help the potatoes cook and keep the casserole moist.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step allows the potatoes to cook through while keeping moisture inside.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Plate the casserole with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or crusty bread, for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Potato Slices: Slice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Using a mandoline slicer can save time and improve consistency.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend for a gooier top layer.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkle smoked paprika over the top for a smoky finish.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready for dinner.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole (~320g)
Calories: 482 kcal
Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 32g - Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Protein: 26g
Sodium: 682mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Print
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef – Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s customizable and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
- Spread beef mixture in the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the potatoes.
- Pour beef broth around the edges of the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, layered with the potatoes.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients. Slice them thinly for even cooking and adjust the baking time as needed.
2. Can this be made in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake fresh when ready to eat.
3. Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. Adjust seasonings as needed since turkey and chicken have milder flavors.
4. How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Slice them thinly and evenly. Covering with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking keeps the steam in, which helps the potatoes cook through.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered between the beef and potatoes for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
The Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food: simple, hearty, and flavorful. With layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Its dump-and-bake simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while still feeling indulgent enough for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your favorite veggies and cheeses, this casserole is a dependable, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
With a few pantry staples, minimal prep, and easy cleanup, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation of comforting home-cooked meals.