This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is the perfect comfort meal for hectic weeknights. Soft, tender potatoes combine with flavorful, seasoned ground beef and a layer of golden, melted cheese to create a hearty, budget-friendly dish. Easy to prepare and clean up, it’s a recipe that brings all the homemade flavor your family will love—without any extra hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extremely Simple and Beginner-Friendly – With easy-to-find ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for anyone, even if you’re just starting out with classic comfort foods.
- Cost-Effective and Family-Friendly – With hearty ground beef and potatoes as the base, this meal is both affordable and satisfying, easily feeding the entire family without stretching your budget.
- All-in-One Ease – This dish comes together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze and giving you more time to unwind after dinner.
- Bursting with Flavor and Comfort – Savory layers of seasoned ground beef, soft potatoes, and gooey cheddar and Parmesan come together to make a hearty, satisfying meal your family will keep asking for.
- Great for Meal Prep – This casserole warms up perfectly, making it a convenient choice for ahead-of-time dinners or tasty leftovers that stay just as delicious the next day.
- Tailor It to Your Taste – Mix in your favorite cheese, toss in some vegetables, or give it a protein-packed boost. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to whatever you love.
- Beloved by the Whole Family – With its creamy, cheesy layers and hearty, comforting flavors, this dish delights both kids and adults and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Warm and Inviting for Any Season – Perfect for crisp autumn evenings or chilly winter nights, this hearty casserole delivers all the comfort and warmth you crave.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds so they cook consistently and become tender in the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a bit of olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until nicely browned and fully cooked. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft. Drain any extra fat if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the potato slices on top, slightly overlapping them. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of paprika for a comforting flavor boost.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Liquid
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan over the potatoes. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges to keep everything moist while baking. For a richer, creamier texture, drizzle a little milk over the top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, then dig in and savor every warm, cheesy bite.
Quick Tips for Success
- Cut Potatoes Uniformly – Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds (around 1/8 inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly and turn perfectly tender.
- Always Include Liquid – Pouring in beef broth or water is key to steaming the potatoes and keeping them moist while baking, preventing them from drying out.
- Flavor Every Layer – Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite spices directly onto the potato layers to ensure every bite of the casserole is packed with delicious flavor.
. - Check the Temperature – Ensure your ground beef reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer before adding it to the casserole for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
- Give It a Rest – Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This lets the layers firm up and makes it easier to serve.
- Seal with Foil – Cover the casserole tightly during the first part of baking to trap steam, helping the potatoes cook fully before the cheese starts to brown.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian-Friendly Version – Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and black beans. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a completely meat-free, flavorful casserole.
Protein-Packed Twist – Include a layer of cooked, diced chicken or ground turkey along with the beef. For an extra boost of protein and creaminess, stir in some cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
Dairy-Free Version – Swap regular cheese for plant-based alternatives and use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of dairy. Add nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Veggie-Packed Version – Mix in sliced bell peppers, corn, green beans, or diced zucchini with the beef for extra nutrition and vibrant color. It’s an easy way to add more vegetables to a family-favorite meal.
Southwestern-Style Kick – Spice up the beef with taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and finish with jalapeños, black beans, and a dollop of sour cream for a bold, zesty twist.
Stretch Your Budget – Toss in an extra potato or two and some frozen mixed vegetables to make the casserole feed more people without significantly increasing the cost.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage – Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they meld together overnight.
Freezer Storage – This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions – Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time).
Meal Prep for the Week – Divide the baked casserole into individual portions and store in meal prep containers. Reheat throughout the week for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe and add a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory beef and cheese. Slice them thinly and follow the same baking instructions.
Do I have to pre-cook the potatoes? No, the potatoes cook perfectly in the oven as long as they’re sliced thin enough. The beef broth and covered baking time ensure they become tender without any pre-cooking.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions first, then layer everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
What can I serve with this casserole? This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Yes! Feel free to layer in sliced carrots, green beans, corn, or bell peppers. Just make sure any harder vegetables are sliced thin so they cook through.
How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is ready when you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Pin This Recipe for Later!
Save this Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it whenever you need a quick, comforting, budget-friendly dinner! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding hungry families.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is everything a weeknight dinner should be – easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create a homemade meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Try the variations to make it your own, and don’t forget to save this recipe for those nights when you need something hearty and hassle-free. Explore more trending comfort food recipes and keep this one-pan wonder in your dinner rotation all year long!
Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Thinly slice your potatoes into even rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) so they cook uniformly and become perfectly tender.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until beautifully browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent and releases its savory aromas.
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in overlapping layers on top of the beef.
- Sprinkle the potatoes generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Then cover with the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep everything moist and tender as it bakes. For an extra creamy texture, drizzle the milk over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite!