This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food — simple, hearty, and full of flavor! Tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese bake together into one cozy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers. 🥔🧀
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
- Family favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and filling — even picky eaters love it!
- Budget-friendly: Feeds a family of four with minimal cost.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the ovenPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the beefIn a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlicStir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking another 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Layer the casseroleSpread the cooked beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add cheese and liquidSprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges to keep the potatoes moist. Drizzle milk over the top for extra creaminess if desired.
- BakeCover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- ServeLet rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm!
Chef Emma’s Tips
- Slice the potatoes thinly (about ⅛-inch) to ensure even cooking.
- Add frozen veggies like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a creamier casserole, substitute ¼ cup heavy cream for the milk.
- Use pre-cooked potatoes to cut baking time by 10 minutes.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is comfort food at its best — hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a family-approved classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a warm, satisfying meal. 🧀🥔❤️
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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef features layers of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and gooey cheese — baked to golden perfection for the ultimate comfort meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4–5 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup milk (optional)
- Salt, pepper, parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown beef in olive oil; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook 3–4 min.
- Layer beef, potatoes, seasonings, and cheese in dish.
- Pour broth and milk around edges.
- Cover and bake 30 min; uncover and bake 15–20 min more.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Slice potatoes thin for even cooking. Add veggies for variety. Substitute cream for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato bake, comfort food dinner