Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Think comfort food met weeknight simplicity and they made a casserole, baby. I started making this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef when I needed cheap, filling dinners that didn’t look sad. You’ll get a simple ingredient list, clear steps, and a few pro tips so your potatoes actually cook through. If you like quick ground beef dinners, take a peek at my easy Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe for another fast winner.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: It cooks in about an hour and mostly bakes unattended.
• Cheap: Ground beef stretches with potatoes, so your wallet thanks you.
• Comforting: All the textures and melty cheese = instant happy dinner.
• Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or swap meats to suit tastes.
• Great leftovers: Reheat easily and it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient

• 1 lb ground beef
• 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 dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef broth or water

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Brown the beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.

Sauté aromatics

Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).

Layer

Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Cheese and broth

Sprinkle cheeses over potatoes and pour beef broth around the edges.

Bake covered then uncovered

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Pro tip: Test potatoes with a fork through the center; when they slide easily, you’re golden.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Par-cook potatoes: Parboil slices for 5 minutes so they finish tender in the oven.
• Slice uniformly: Use a mandoline or slice thin and even to ensure consistent cooking.
• Control moisture: Drain extra fat or loosely poke the foil to let steam escape if soggy.
• Cheese choices: Sharp cheddar gives tang; mozzarella gives stretch — both win.
• Make it ahead: Assemble, chill, then bake when ready for dinner — life saver.

FYI: I often reserve a little cheese to brown on top for that perfect finishing crust.

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations

Try corn, crumbled sausage, or swap in turkey for a lighter dish. You can also transform leftovers into a loaded potato soup by adding broth and simmering. Want vegetarian? Use plant-based ground crumbles and veggie broth.

Toppings

• Bacon — Crispy crumbles add crunch.
• Extra cheddar — Because cheese forever.
• Green onions — Freshness and color.
• Sour cream — Tang and creaminess.
• Chives or parsley — For a bright finish.

Storing and Reheating

Cool the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm single servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F until hot. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes. I thaw or partially thaw slices and pat them dry. That prevents extra steam and soggy potatoes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and assemble in the slow cooker, then cook on low for about 4 hours until potatoes are tender.

What cheese melts best?

Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds flavor; mozzarella melts smoother. I often blend both for texture and taste.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

You can, but adjust cooking time—sweet potatoes can cook faster or become mushy if sliced too thin.

Is this gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and check labels on seasoning blends.

Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef gives you easy comfort, budget-friendly ingredients, and leftovers that actually improve. Give it a try, tweak toppings to your mood, and let me know how it goes—leave a comment and a rating. For another take on the classic, check this version: Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake – Taste Of …