If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and brings everyone to the table, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes absolutely fits the bill. This tried and true recipe is full of familiar flavors, easy to whip up, and perfect for weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, gooey cheese, and bubbly golden edges, every bite brings the kind of warmth that just says “home.” If you need a satisfying dish that’s both simple and crowd-pleasing, you might just fall in love with Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is how it celebrates timeless, pantry-friendly ingredients. Everything here is purposeful—each item works to add the right texture, flavor, and color to the casserole. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need (plus a few handy tips for best results):

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture, and remember to drain excess fat if needed.
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best soft texture, and slice them thinly (about 1/4-inch) for even cooking.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is enough to sauté your onions and garlic, adding depth to the beef mixture.
Onion: One medium onion is perfect for sweetness and extra flavor in every bite.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring a subtle punch; mince them finely for even distribution.
Beef broth: This keeps the casserole moist and savory, binding all those rich flavors together.
Milk (optional): A splash of milk adds creaminess – whole milk works best for richness, but any kind will do.
Italian seasoning: A teaspoon infuses every layer with a herby, aromatic flair.
Paprika: For gentle warmth and color, don’t skip this ingredient!
Salt & pepper: Add these to taste, but season in layers to really bring out every ingredient’s best.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This melty cheese is the gooey glue that holds all the goodness together; sharp cheddar is extra flavorful.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle on top for that signature golden finish and a boost of salty-savory flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a burst of color as an easy, fresh garnish.

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Potatoes

Kicking off your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes couldn’t be easier. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when the casserole goes in. Thinly slice your potatoes—aim for about 1/4-inch thickness so they turn out fork-tender, not underdone. This is the foundation of the whole recipe, so take your time to slice them evenly for consistent results.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic, giving them a good stir until they’re soft and fragrant—nothing beats that aroma! Next, add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Cook the beef until it’s browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy, only flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now for the fun part—layering! Grease a casserole or baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Lay half of your sliced potatoes across the bottom, slightly overlapping them. Spoon on half of the cooked beef mixture for a savory spread. Sprinkle a generous portion of cheddar cheese over this first layer. Repeat these steps with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese. Once all the layers are set, pour the beef broth (and milk if you’d like extra creaminess) over the top to help the potatoes soften and meld everything together.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole Until Perfect

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. This helps the potatoes steam and the beef soak up all the extra flavor. After that time, remove the foil, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. Uncovered, the top will brown up beautifully—watch for a bubbling, golden surface and tempting cheesy aroma!

Step 5: Let Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once the casserole is gorgeously golden, take it out of the oven but don’t dig in just yet. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so it sets up and slices easily. Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green looks beautiful against all that cheesy, potato goodness—now your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh parsley always does the trick, but you can get creative! A little extra Parmesan or thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top add another pop of color and flavor. If you want a little zing, try dotting the casserole with a few dabs of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and filling, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Consider a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables for a fresh, vibrant contrast. Dinner rolls or a chunk of crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the savory juices from your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make it feel extra special, you can serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party touch. For a casual, family-style approach, just plop the whole baking dish right at the center of the table and let everyone dig in. Leftover casserole also makes a fabulous filling—try stuffing it into bell peppers, wrapping it in a tortilla, or loading it onto a baked potato for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you find yourself with extra Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes (lucky you!), transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Once cooled, wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or portion it into individual freezer containers. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to help it taste as fresh as the day you made it.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a covered baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. For quick lunches, individual portions can be microwaved on medium heat (covered) for about 2-3 minutes. To keep the casserole from drying out, splash a spoonful of beef broth or milk over the top before warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different ground meat for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes?

Absolutely! While ground beef gives this recipe its classic flavor, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just keep an eye on moisture since leaner meats can be a bit drier; a little extra broth or cheese goes a long way to keep things luscious.

What kind of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet potatoes are a top choice because they bake up soft and soak in all those savory juices. Yukon Golds are another great option for their buttery flavor and tender bite. Steer clear of waxy potatoes, which can stay too firm in the finished dish.

Can I make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a huge time-saver! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and place in the fridge until it’s time to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

Do I have to use both cheddar and Parmesan?

Not at all! The classic combo adds depth, but you can use just one or substitute your favorite melting cheese (like mozzarella or Monterey Jack). Parmesan gives that irresistible crispy top, so keep it if you can.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

The main ingredients in Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels on your beef broth, seasonings, and cheese to prevent any sneaky gluten from slipping in. You’ll have a cozy, safe dish everyone can tuck into!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s as easy as it is comforting, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a must-try. Every step is approachable, every bite is flavorful, and you can easily make it your own. Give this recipe a go the next time you want nourishing, nostalgic food that brings people together—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and two types of cheese baked to perfection, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes to ¼-inch thickness.
Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef on top. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, then pour beef broth (and milk, if using) over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American