Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is one of those classic comfort dishes that reminds me why simple food is often the best food. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese all baked together create something hearty and satisfying that the whole family devours.

I grew up eating casseroles like this on cold evenings, and when I made it for my own family the first time, I realized why it’s stood the test of time. There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven, with cheese melted and golden on top, knowing you’ve made a complete meal in one dish. This Hobo Casserole with ground beef has become my go-to when I need something reliable that I can prep ahead and just pop in the oven when dinner time rolls around.

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole

I always use thinly sliced potatoes because they cook evenly and create perfect layers in this casserole. Pro tip: a mandoline slicer makes quick work of getting uniform potato slices, which ensures everything cooks at the same rate.

• 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

How to Make Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned completely, about 5-7 minutes. You want no pink remaining in the meat. If there’s excess fat pooling in the pan, drain it off before continuing.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should become soft and translucent, and the garlic will release its aroma without burning.

Step 4: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates your flavorful base layer.

Step 5: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on top of the beef. Overlap them slightly like shingles on a roof. Season this layer generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, sprinkling evenly across all the potatoes.

Step 6: Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, distributing evenly. Pour the beef broth around the edges of the casserole, not directly over the cheese. If using milk for extra creaminess, drizzle it over the top as well.

Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake covered for 30 minutes. This steaming phase helps the potatoes cook through without drying out.

Step 8: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Pro tip: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice potatoes uniformly thin. Inconsistent thickness means some pieces will be mushy while others stay hard.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole

This hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides creates a more balanced meal.

Simple Garden Salad: Fresh mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette cut through the richness and add freshness to your plate.

Steamed Vegetables: Tender broccoli or green beans provide nutrition and a pop of color that complements the golden-brown casserole.

Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for those who want extra comfort alongside this already comforting dish.

Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a nice textural contrast and brightness to balance the cheesy casserole.

More Hearty Ground Beef Dinners

This easy hobo casserole is just one of many comforting ground beef meals perfect for busy weeknights. For another crowd-pleasing one-dish wonder, try the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with its savory caramelized onion flavor, or whip up the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Looking for more variety with ground beef? The Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner rotation, while the Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls offers a lighter, veggie-packed option that’s still incredibly satisfying.

Storing Your Casserole

Store leftover Hobo Casserole Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld together nicely overnight, making leftovers just as good as the original.

When reheating, I recommend covering with foil and warming in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture of the cheese and potatoes stays better with oven reheating.

Pro tip: This casserole freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The potatoes may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor remains excellent.

Common Casserole Questions

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