Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Photo of author
Author: Olivia
Published:
Delicious hobo casserole made with ground beef, vegetables, and cheese

why make this recipe

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is simple, filling, and easy to cook. It uses common ingredients and gives warm comfort for a family meal. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests with little work.

introduction

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef layers browned beef and sliced potatoes with cheese for a hearty one-dish meal. If you like quick, cheesy beef dishes, try our Philly cheesesteak sliders with ground beef for another easy option.

how to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Brown the beef with onion and garlic, then spread it in a baking dish. Arrange thin potato slices on top, season, and add cheese. Pour a little broth or water around the edges and cover with foil. Bake until potatoes are tender, then uncover and bake until the cheese is golden.

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 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 creaminess)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions :

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. 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.
  4. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
  6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

how to serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Serve hot from the oven. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness. A spoon or spatula works well to scoop squares onto plates. This dish is hearty, so small side portions are fine.

how to store Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

  • Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing.
  • Refrigerator: Cover and keep for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions.

tips to make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

  • Slice potatoes thin so they cook through in the baking time.
  • Drain excess beef fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Pour the broth or water around the edges, not over the cheese, to keep the topping from getting soggy.
  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even potato slices.
  • Let the casserole sit 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

variation (if any)

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for more vegetables.
  • Swap mozzarella for part of the cheddar for a milder cheese pull.
  • Add a layer of frozen peas or corn for color and sweetness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?
A: Fresh sliced potatoes work best. Canned potatoes may be too soft and can make the dish soggy.

Q: Do I have to peel the potatoes?
A: You can leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients if you like. Just wash them well.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q: How can I make it creamier?
A: Stir the optional 1/4 cup milk into the broth before pouring, or add a few spoonfuls of sour cream mixed into the beef layer.

Q: Is it okay to skip the Parmesan?
A: Yes. Parmesan adds flavor, but the casserole still tastes good with just cheddar.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None

Description

A simple and hearty one-dish meal featuring layers of browned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 45 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 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 creaminess)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour broth or water around the edges of the casserole.
  6. 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.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

Notes

For creaminess, stir in milk before pouring, or add sour cream. Drain excess fat for a less greasy casserole.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

You Might Also Like...

Apple Pie Cups

Apple Pie Cups

Quick and Easy One-Pan Greek Vegetables

Quick and Easy One-Pan Greek Vegetables

Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies