Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

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Hobo Casserole is a comforting dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a delicious layered bake. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

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Emma Franklin

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered bake made with ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple one-dish meal delivers all the cozy, homestyle flavor with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American comfort food
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 0.25 cup milk (optional)
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • baking dish (9×13 inch)
  • mixing spoon
  • chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
  4. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Pour beef broth (and milk if using) evenly over the dish.
  5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 27gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 310mgIron: 2.8mg

Notes

For extra richness, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add diced bell peppers or green beans for more color and nutrition. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

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Why Make This Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a great choice for a satisfying family meal. It’s easy to make, needs minimal prep time, and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that makes cleanup a breeze!

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef – 1 lb
  • Potatoes – 4-5 medium, thinly sliced
  • Cheddar cheese – 1 1/2 cups, shredded
  • Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated
  • Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
  • Paprika – 1/2 tsp
  • Salt & pepper – to taste
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Beef broth – 1/2 cup
  • Milk (optional) – 1/4 cup
  • Fresh parsley – for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/4 inch. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef over the potatoes and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
  4. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes and beef, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Pour beef broth (and milk if using) over the dish.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole

Serve Hobo Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. You can also offer extra toppings like sour cream or hot sauce for added taste.

How to Store Hobo Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Hobo Casserole

  • Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the dish set up better.
  • Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition.

Variation

You can customize Hobo Casserole by using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the meat mixture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe for a lighter option.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

You can replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.