Hobo casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together simple, hearty ingredients in one satisfying dish. This easy ground beef casserole layers tender, thinly sliced potatoes over a savory base of seasoned beef, topped with melty cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate — filling, flavorful, and straightforward to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or want a cozy dish to meal prep for the week, this casserole delivers in both taste and convenience.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With minimal ingredients and basic pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels rich and indulgent. Thin slices of potatoes cook perfectly in the oven alongside the beef, absorbing all the delicious flavors. The Italian seasoning adds just the right hint of herbs, while paprika brings a subtle warmth. A splash of broth or water keeps everything moist, and an optional drizzle of milk adds creaminess if you like. Finished with fresh parsley, this casserole looks as good as it tastes. Get ready for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together in a single casserole dish.
Comfort Food Classic: Hearty potatoes and savory beef with melted cheese.
Minimal Prep: Uses simple, common ingredients you probably have on hand.
Customizable: Add veggies or swap cheeses to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats well and makes excellent next-day meals.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Olive oil
Medium onion (chopped)
Garlic cloves (minced)
Medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Dried Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Beef broth or water
Milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Layer in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the potatoes.
Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
Make it Creamier: Use cream instead of milk, or add a dollop of sour cream on top.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or zucchini.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes evenly on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Liquids

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to keep potatoes moist during baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the ground beef well for deeper flavor and drain excess fat for a leaner dish.
Slice potatoes as evenly and thin as possible for quicker, uniform cooking.
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get consistent potato slices.
Don’t skip the broth or water — it helps steam the potatoes and prevents drying.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty casserole on its own or alongside a fresh green salad for balance. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts. Leftover casserole is great cold or reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Freezing

Freeze the fully cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, just thaw completely before cooking to ensure even browning.

2. What potatoes work best?

Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up well and cook evenly.

3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, but reduce the amount since fresh herbs are more potent.

4. Is milk necessary?

No, it’s optional but adds extra creaminess.

5. How thin should I slice the potatoes?

About 1/8 inch thick for even cooking.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach all work well.

7. What if I don’t have beef broth?

Water works fine, but broth adds more flavor.

8. Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.

9. How to prevent potatoes from drying out?

Pour broth or water around edges and cover with foil during baking.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that combines savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese into one delicious dish. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or meal prep, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite veggies and cheeses, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, hearty dinner that everyone will love.