Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Looking for a meal that’s warm, filling, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor?

Look no further than this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes. It’s a back-to-basics comfort dish that delivers a full meal in one pan—with layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and melty cheese in every bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or meal prep Sundays, this casserole is as practical as it is delicious. All it takes is a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest.

Let’s dive into this no-fuss, family-approved recipe that’s sure to make its way into your regular rotation.

🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 hearty servings:

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef – Juicy, flavorful protein that forms the base of the dish.
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced – Choose Yukon Gold or Russet for the best texture.
1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings in that essential savory aroma.
½ cup beef broth – Keeps everything moist and enhances flavor.
¼ cup milk (optional) – Adds creaminess to the bake.

For the Seasoning & Cheese:

1 tsp Italian seasoning – A classic mix that adds herby flavor.
½ tsp paprika – For warmth and color.
Salt & pepper, to taste – Essential for balanced flavor.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts perfectly and gives that cheesy top layer.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
Fresh parsley, for garnish – Brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Scrub and thinly slice 4–5 potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Uniform slices ensure even baking. Set them aside while you prepare the beef.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Season the beef with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in ½ cup beef broth and ¼ cup milk if using, and let simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Top with half of the cooked beef, then sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese. Pour the beef broth mixture over the top to ensure everything stays moist while baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Remove the foil, sprinkle ½ cup Parmesan cheese over the top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes uncovered. The top should be bubbling and golden brown.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This hobo casserole is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

A simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli for a veggie boost
Crusty bread to soak up the cheesy, savory juices
A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce if you like a little kick

🧀 Tips & Variations

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to avoid undercooked layers. A mandoline slicer works great here.
Add red pepper flakes for some heat, or swap in pepper jack cheese.
Make it creamier by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or adding extra cheese between the layers.
Want to sneak in veggies? Add thin layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini between the potatoes and beef.
Use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner version.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

This makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or for prepping ahead and reheating leftovers during the week.

🧂 Nutritional Info (Estimated per Serving)

Calories: ~420
Protein: ~24g
Fat: ~22g
Carbs: ~30g
Sodium: ~600mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on cheese type and optional ingredients.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Do I have to use both cheddar and Parmesan?
No, but the combo gives a more complex flavor. You can stick to just cheddar or even mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is everything you want in a comforting meal: rich, hearty, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a meal that stretches simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week, this casserole delivers on flavor, ease, and nostalgia.

So grab a baking dish and get layering—your next go-to dinner is just a bake away!

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes