Looking for a cozy, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal? This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is the ultimate comfort dish your family will love. It’s a simple layered casserole made with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese — all baked together for a golden, hearty finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a filling dinner, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a home-cooked classic.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
This casserole is the definition of comfort food. It combines everyday pantry ingredients into something warm, flavorful, and soul-soothing.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick Prep: Only about 15 minutes of hands-on time before baking.
- Hearty & Filling: Layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese make a full meal in one dish.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike — mild, cheesy, and savory.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive staples like ground beef and potatoes.
- Great Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef – You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced bell peppers or zucchini
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Ground Beef Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Swaps: Use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a low-fat cheese blend to suit your taste.
- Broth Replacement: If you want to avoid beef, use vegetable broth or chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate carrots, green beans, or corn to boost nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or simply top with breadcrumbs for texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. Slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly. Chop the onions and mince the garlic.
Step 2 – Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 – Layer the Casserole
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes over the beef, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle a bit of cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a cheese layer.
Step 4 – Add Broth & Bake
Slowly pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to keep the potatoes moist. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5 – Rest & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking.
- Drain the beef well to prevent greasiness.
- Season each layer lightly to keep every bite flavorful.
- Don’t skip the resting time — it helps the casserole set and makes slicing easier.
- Try shredded hash browns for a quicker version!
- Use foil to trap steam during baking, keeping the potatoes soft and tender.
Flavor Variations
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
- BBQ Beef Casserole: Stir in a little barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.
- Vegetable Boost: Layer in zucchini, corn, or spinach for added color and nutrients.
- Italian-Style: Add marinara sauce between layers and use mozzarella and basil.
- Breakfast Casserole: Swap beef for sausage (or turkey sausage) and add scrambled eggs.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Apple coleslaw for a refreshing side
Serve it family-style for cozy gatherings, potlucks, or easy Sunday dinners.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Tip: If freezing, let the casserole cool completely first to preserve texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~390 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
FAQ About Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold up well during baking and become tender without turning mushy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and cook as directed.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely — thawed hash browns or frozen potato slices work fine. Just reduce the liquid slightly since frozen potatoes release water while cooking.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free broth and seasonings, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the perfect go-to recipe for busy families who love comfort food. It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and flexible enough to fit your favorite flavors or dietary needs. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving it fresh from the oven, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table.
Warm, cheesy, and filled with classic home-cooked goodness — this casserole truly brings people together around the table
Print
Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef for Weeknight Dinners
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty, family-friendly casserole layered with ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese — baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ cup beef broth or water
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer cooked beef in the baking dish. Arrange sliced potatoes on top.
5. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Repeat layers if needed.
6. Pour broth around the edges. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with turkey or lentils for a lighter version.
Add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
Use mozzarella or vegan cheese for dietary preferences.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 65
