Let’s be honest: some nights call for a recipe that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t demand you babysit it in the kitchen. Enter Hobo Casserole Ground Beef—the answer to the “what’s for dinner?” chorus we all know too well.

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, cheesy, easy to throw together, and guaranteed to make the whole family happy (yes, even the picky eaters who think plain pasta is a food group). Think of it as part cheesy beef casserole, part baked potato casserole, and entirely comfort on a plate.

It’s one of those recipes that looks simple on paper but tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did. And the best part? You only need pantry staples and about an hour before you’re pulling bubbling golden goodness out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Family dinner recipe that feeds hungry bellies without fuss.
Comforting layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese.
Simple, affordable ingredients—nothing fancy or fussy.
Oven-baked perfection with minimal prep.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A cozy, cheesy ground beef and potato casserole baked to golden perfection. Hearty, simple, and family-approved—perfect for busy nights and comfort meals.

Ingredients

Scale

450 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium onion (150 g), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4–5 medium potatoes (700 g), thinly sliced
170 g (1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese
50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp (2 g) dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp (1 g) paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
120 ml (½ cup) beef broth or water
60 ml (¼ cup) milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add beef and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Flavor: Stir in onion and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Assemble Casserole: Spread beef mixture in baking dish. Top with potato slices. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Add Cheese & Liquid: Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan evenly. Pour beef broth (and milk if using) around edges.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Slice potatoes thin and evenly for the best cooking results.

Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispy, bubbly cheese top.

Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.

Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Naturally gluten-free (verify broth if needed).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course / Casserole
Method: Oven-baked
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients You’ll Need

450 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium onion (150 g), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4–5 medium potatoes (700 g), thinly sliced
170 g (1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese
50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp (2 g) dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp (1 g) paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
120 ml (½ cup) beef broth or water
60 ml (¼ cup) milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven & Dish: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Flavor Base: Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
Layer It Up: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes over top. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Cheese & Liquid: Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan evenly. Pour beef broth (and milk, if using) around the edges.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil, bake 15–20 more minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
Garnish & Serve: Top with parsley if desired. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Beef Casserole

Slice potatoes thinly. A mandoline makes quick, even slices that cook perfectly.
Broil for a crispy top. After baking, pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for extra bubbly cheese.
Make it creamy. Use the optional milk—or even a splash of heavy cream—for an indulgent touch.
Mix it up. Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you like a little kick.
One-dish wonder. Leftovers taste even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to double it.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this casserole, it was one of those nights where the fridge was giving me side-eye. I had ground beef, a bag of potatoes that were this close to sprouting, and a block of cheddar. Necessity turned into discovery, and suddenly, my family thought I had whipped up some restaurant-worthy meal.

My kids loved that it was cheesy and hearty, and I loved that it didn’t require juggling 10 different pans. Since then, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef has become one of those “comfort traditions” in our house—the dish that always shows up when life gets hectic but we still want to sit down for a cozy dinner together.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

This casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with simple sides makes it feel like a complete feast:

Steamed green beans or broccoli for freshness.
Garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Garlic bread because, well, garlic bread makes everything better.
Apple crisp or brownies for dessert if you want to end the night on a sweet note.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems dry.

FAQs About This Easy Ground Beef Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you’re looking for a lighter version.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar gives that classic sharp flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend also work beautifully.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Nope! Keep the skins for extra nutrients and rustic flavor—just wash them well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth is certified gluten-free.

Comfort in Every Bite

There’s just something magical about casseroles—they bring people together, warm the soul, and make dinner feel easy again.

is exactly that kind of meal: hearty, cheesy, and full of love, without any unnecessary fuss.

So the next time you’re staring at a pack of ground beef and wondering what to do, remember this dish. It’s not just dinner—it’s comfort baked into every layer, ready to bring smiles to your table.

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Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: A Cozy, Cheesy Comfort Classic