Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole has everything you want in a comfort meal—savory ground beef, cheesy layers, and perfectly baked potatoes that soak up all the flavors. It’s versatile, affordable, and can be made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup easy and stress-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (¼-inch thick)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup beef broth

• ¼ cup milk (optional)

For the seasoning & cheese:

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and thinly slice potatoes.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.

4. Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.

5. Repeat layers, then pour beef broth (and milk, if using) over the casserole.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.

7. Remove foil, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until golden.

8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.

• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.

• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.

• Make it spicy by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or cayenne.

• Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and makes the dish lighter.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

No, leaving the skins on adds extra nutrients and texture, but peeling works too.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

How do I slice the potatoes evenly?

A mandoline slicer is the easiest way to get uniform slices that cook evenly.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make delicious additions.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack are great options.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze baked portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Why is my casserole watery?

This can happen if the potatoes weren’t sliced thin enough or if too much liquid was added. Stick to the recipe measurements.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?

Absolutely, sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and pair nicely with the cheese.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the top should be golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a classic, fuss-free meal that’s loaded with flavor and perfect for the whole family. With its cheesy layers, hearty beef, and tender potatoes, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to for busy weeknights and cozy dinners alike. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, this casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Print