Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Category: Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

First, scatter thin potatoes, top with beef mix and cheese, pour broth over, then pop it in the oven covered before finishing uncovered till the top bubbles and potatoes are soft.
A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 22:55:38 GMT
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef – So Easy for Dinner Pin
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef – So Easy for Dinner | chefmiarecipes.com

Soft potato slices, well-seasoned ground beef, and loads of melty cheese all get tossed together in one pan. You'll end up with a comforting, filling dinner that'll make you think of cozy evenings. Just toss kitchen basics together and it turns into a crowd-pleaser that's as simple as it is satisfying. Busy folks love it for a reason.

I stumbled on this dish when money was tight, and soon we were making it nonstop. My father-in-law, who's super picky, shocked us all when he went back for a second helping and even wanted to make it at home.

Classic Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: The main helper for big flavor and a filling meal—nobody leaves hungry.
  • Potatoes: Thin slices soak up all the tasty stuff and make each bite hearty.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Lays down a gooey, golden skin over the top and makes every forkful better.
  • Beef Broth: Adds juiciness and brings all the flavors together with a savory kick.
  • Italian Seasoning: This mix of herbs brings out the best in both beef and spuds.

Unbeatable Hobo Casserole

Get the Beef Going:
Start by crumbling and cooking the beef so it browns up and the grease comes out. Smaller pieces get more flavor.
Bump Up the Flavor:
Mix in chopped onion and minced garlic with your beef—cook until they let off a great smell and get soft.
Layer Like a Pro:
Spread out the beef at the bottom of your baking dish, then pile on potato slices in overlapping layers, so everything gets cooked through.
Keep it Juicy:
Pour beef broth along the sides, not straight over the top, so the whole thing stays moist but the upper layers still get some texture.
Trap the Steam First:
Cover tightly with foil first so the potatoes cook through, then take it off at the end so you can get a lightly crisp, golden top.
Hobo Casserole Close-Up Pin
Hobo Casserole Close-Up | chefmiarecipes.com

Way back on a camping trip, my grandpa shared tales about old 'hobo meals' wrapped in foil and tossed on the fire back in the Depression. This oven baked spin keeps that thrifty spirit but is way easier after a long day.

Tasty Pairings

Pair up a slice of this with a crunchy salad dressed in a punchy vinaigrette so things don't get too heavy. Steamed green beans or broccoli add nice color. And don't forget warm garlic bread—that's how you mop up all the saucy bits!

Easy Spins

Switch things up by tossing in corn for sweet bites and texture. Try a taco twist with black beans, taco spices, and pepper jack. Or swap in ground turkey and toss in extras like mushrooms or bell peppers for something lighter.

Leftover Tips

Once cooled off, pack leftovers in a sealed container and stash in the fridge—they'll last up to four days. Want to keep some longer? Freeze them in single serves, good for three months. Pop them back in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until they're hot and good as new.

I've made this trusty dish so many times, and I swear it's as flexible as your pantry. You can dress it up for a special night or keep it basic when you're low on groceries. No matter what, it'll wrap you up in good, home-cooked vibes and leave everyone feeling full and happy.

Yummy Hobo Casserole Pin
Yummy Hobo Casserole | chefmiarecipes.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Go for it! You can put it together up to a day early, stash it in the fridge covered, and just remember to bake a little longer if it's cold from the fridge.
→ What type of potatoes work best?
Both Yukon Golds and Russets are perfect. Yukon Golds keep their shape, while Russets turn soft and creamy.
→ Can I add vegetables to this?
Definitely! Toss in some carrots, peas, bell peppers, or even a handful of corn with the meat to mix things up.
→ Why is it called 'Hobo Casserole'?
It's named after those simple campfire meals, just hearty food with basic stuff thrown together.
→ How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Just poke a fork in one and if it slides right through, you're good to go.

Easy Hobo Casserole Beef

Layers of juicy beef, tender potato slices, and melted cheesy goodness all nestled in one dish. Pure comfort in every bite.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
50 minutes
Total Duration
65 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Weeknight Elegance

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Recipe Cuisine: American

Recipe Yield: 6 Number of Servings (1 9x13 casserole)

Dietary Categories: Gluten-Free Option

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon paprika
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 pound ground beef
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1/2 cup beef broth or water
06 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 1 medium onion, chopped
08 1/4 cup milk (if you want it creamy, pour this in)
09 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced thin
10 Fresh parsley (if you feel like garnishing)
11 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
12 Salt and pepper, add as much as you like
13 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Before digging in, give it five minutes to cool off. Toss on chopped parsley if you've got it, then plate it up while hot.

Step 02

Put foil over the dish and bake for half an hour. Take the foil away and pop it back in for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want melty golden cheese and soft potatoes.

Step 03

Toss both cheeses across the potatoes. Pour the broth or water around the sides. If you're after creamy, splash on some milk, too.

Step 04

First, spread the cooked beef mix over the bottom of your dish. Line up all your potato slices on top. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the paprika.

Step 05

Drop the chopped onion and garlic into the skillet with the browned beef. Let it cook for a few minutes so the onion goes soft and clear.

Step 06

Drizzle in olive oil and warm your skillet on medium. Break the ground beef apart as you cook. When it turns brown (about five to seven minutes), dump off any extra fat.

Step 07

Crank your oven up to 375°F (190°C). Oil up a 9×13 pan or hit it with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Extra Information

  1. Keep your spud slices the same width so they cook through together
  2. Dump any grease from the beef so you don't end up with a soggy meal
  3. Letting it sit makes the flavors come together even better

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Has dairy (cheese, milk)