Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

Created on July 20th, 2025 at 05:03 pm

Ground Beef & Potato Hobo Casserole

This cozy Hobo Casserole is comfort food at its best 💛 Layers of juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese make it a one-dish wonder perfect for busy weeknights or budget-friendly dinners.

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⏱️ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

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📝 Ingredients List:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup milk (optional)

For the Seasoning & Cheese:

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s fully heated and ready to go once your casserole is assembled.

While the oven warms, thinly slice 4–5 medium potatoes into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Thin slices help the potatoes cook evenly and absorb flavor as they bake.

Chop one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic, setting them aside for the stovetop portion. Gather all your seasonings and cheese now — it’ll make the assembly quicker later on.

2. Brown the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and the garlic is fragrant.

Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and season it with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, with no pink remaining — this usually takes about 6–8 minutes.
🧄🔥 Tip: Drain any excess fat if your beef is extra greasy.

3. Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.

• Start by laying half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
• Spoon half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about ¾ cup) over the beef.

Repeat the layers once more with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese.

Finally, pour ½ cup of beef broth evenly over the casserole to help it stay moist while baking. For a creamier texture, add ¼ cup of milk on top as well (optional, but recommended).

4. Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes in the preheated oven. This allows the potatoes to soften and soak up the beefy, cheesy flavors.

After that, remove the foil, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden, bubbling, and slightly crisp on the edges.
🧀✨ Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning.

5. Rest, Garnish & Serve

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing — this helps it set and makes serving easier.

Top with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve warm and enjoy this cozy, satisfying dish that hits all the comfort food notes!

💡 Pro Tips Section:

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
• Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese between layers.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with a green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Why Ground Beef is a Great Choice

Ground beef is not only affordable and versatile — it’s also a nutrient-rich source of high-quality protein, making it a smart choice for hearty family meals like this hobo casserole.

According to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (PDF), lean beef contributes essential nutrients that many people underconsume, including:

• Iron – Supports energy, oxygen transport, and brain function
• Zinc – Helps with immune health and healing
• Vitamin B12 – Essential for red blood cell formation and nerve health
• Protein – Keeps you full longer and helps build and maintain muscle

When paired with vegetables or whole grains, ground beef can be part of a balanced and nutrient-dense diet. For this recipe, you can also opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) to reduce saturated fat while still enjoying all the flavor.

So whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a cozy casserole — ground beef brings both taste and nutrition to the table.

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Recipe Variations & Swaps

🥩 Protein Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken: A leaner alternative with similar texture and flavor absorption.
• Plant-based ground meat: Perfect for a vegetarian twist (use veggie broth instead of beef broth).
• Chopped sausage or bacon: For a smoky, savory spin.

🥔 Potato Alternatives

• Sweet potatoes: Slightly sweet and nutritious—adds a fun color contrast.
• Hash browns or frozen shredded potatoes: Speeds up prep time and works well in crockpot versions.
• Cauliflower slices: Lower-carb and roasts beautifully with cheese and broth.

🧀 Cheese Options

• Mozzarella or Monterey Jack: For a meltier, milder cheese layer.
• Pepper Jack: Adds a little kick without being too spicy.
• Dairy-free cheese: For lactose-intolerant or vegan-friendly needs.

🍅 Add-Ins

• Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers: Adds bulk and sneaky veggies.
• A layer of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes: Creates a more saucy, lasagna-like feel.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a spiced-up version.

🍽️ What to Serve With Hobo Casserole

🥗 Side Dishes

• Simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted green beans or asparagus
• Buttered peas or corn for a classic retro vibe

🍞 Breads

• Crusty baguette or garlic bread
• Dinner rolls or cornbread muffins

🥣 Soups or Starters

• Tomato basil soup for cozy nights
• Beef broth or French onion soup for layered, savory starters

📊 Nutrition Info Table:

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.