There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a hearty, one-dish meal that brings everyone to the table. Hobo casserole ground beef recipe is one of those dishes—a comforting, budget-friendly classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that warms both your heart and your stomach.
This dish isn’t just easy to make—it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking to use up ingredients you already have in the kitchen, Hobo Casserole is the perfect go-to recipe. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to create this flavorful, satisfying casserole.
Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
- Affordable and Accessible: Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will love.
- Comfort Food: Layers of cheesy, savory goodness make this casserole irresistible.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite seasonings or vegetables.
- Minimal Cleanup: All-in-one meals mean fewer dishes to wash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a full list of the ingredients required to make this Hobo casserole:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Potatoes, thinly sliced | 4-5 medium |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Beef broth or water | ½ cup |
| Ketchup (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Milk (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need the following tools to prepare your casserole:
- A large skillet for browning the beef.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the potatoes and chopping aromatics.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish to assemble the casserole.
- Aluminum foil for covering the dish while baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned—this should take about 5–7 minutes.
- If necessary, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Aromatics to the Beef
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
4. Layer the Potatoes
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a knife or mandoline for even thickness.
- Layer the potato slices in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them like shingles.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning and paprika for added flavor.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the layer of potatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef for a rich, cheesy layer.
- Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist. For extra creaminess, drizzle with ¼ cup of milk if desired.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Hobo casserole!
Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole
- Use Evenly Sliced Potatoes: Thin, uniform slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and are tender.
- Drain the Beef: Removing excess fat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Customize the Seasonings: Add chili powder for heat, or substitute Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella or Colby-Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add Vegetables: For a balanced meal, include veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Creative Variations
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning to the beef and layer with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Breakfast Casserole: Replace ground beef with sausage and add scrambled eggs for a hearty morning dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
- Creamy Spin: Mix sour cream or cream of mushroom soup into the beef mixture for a creamier filling.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef for extra heat.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5–10 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.
2. Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and pair wonderfully with the savory beef.
5. Can I substitute the ground beef?
Of course! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work well as alternatives.
6. What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion: Try Hobo Casserole Tonight!
The Hobo casserole ground beef recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. With its rich layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying recipe that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please.
Why not give this recipe a try tonight? You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and your family will love every delicious bite.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in a single dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this one-dish wonder is budget-friendly, easy to customize, and packed with nostalgic flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics:
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Layer the Potatoes:
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a knife or mandoline for even thickness.
- Layer the potato slices in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them like shingles.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the layer of potatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef.
- Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist. For extra creaminess, drizzle with 1/4 cup of milk if desired.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Hobo Casserole!
Notes
- Evenly Sliced Potatoes: Use a mandoline for consistent potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Customize the Seasoning: Add chili powder for a spicier kick or swap Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Add Vegetables: Include diced carrots, peas, or green beans for a more balanced meal.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
