Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes: Cozy Comfort in a Dish

When life feels a little too busy, nothing soothes quite like a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven. That’s where this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes comes in—a humble, hearty dish that checks every box: easy to make, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Think of it as the ultimate easy casserole recipe for nights when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for a complicated dinner. Thinly sliced potatoes get layered with savory ground beef, onions, and gooey melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest—hearty enough for a Sunday dinner but simple enough for a Tuesday night.

The best part? This casserole comes together with pantry and fridge staples, which means you probably already have everything on hand. And while it’s straightforward, it’s far from boring. With a golden cheesy top and layers that melt together as it bakes, it’s one of those meals where every bite feels like a little hug.

So grab your casserole dish, tie on that apron, and let’s whip up some cheesy, beefy comfort your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy potatoes and beef.

• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.

• One-dish wonder: Minimal prep and easy cleanup.

• Versatile: Great for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 450 g (1 lb) ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 700 g / 1.5 lbs)

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped (150 g)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 120 ml (½ cup) beef broth

• 60 ml (¼ cup) milk (optional)

For the seasoning & cheese:

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 170 g (1½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese

• 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat & prep – Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with oil or butter. Slice potatoes into thin rounds.

2. Cook beef – In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic for 3 minutes. Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.

3. Assemble layers – Place half the potatoes in the dish. Spread half the beef on top, then half the cheddar. Repeat layers.

4. Add liquid – Pour broth (and milk, if using) evenly over the top. Cover with foil.

5. Bake – Bake covered for 35–40 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan, and bake another 10 minutes uncovered until golden and bubbly.

6. Rest & serve – Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Cooking Tips

• Slice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook through at the same time. A mandoline makes this super easy (and kind of fun).

• Want an extra cheesy layer? Add mozzarella or pepper jack between the beef and potatoes.

• If your beef is lean, you might want to add a splash more broth for moisture.

• Don’t skip the resting time—this lets the casserole set up, so serving is easier and prettier.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This casserole became a staple in my kitchen when my kids were little. I needed something filling, budget-friendly, and easy to throw together after work. One night, I layered potatoes and beef, sprinkled cheese, and prayed it would taste good. The result? Empty plates and zero complaints. That’s when I knew I’d struck gold.

Now, whenever the weather cools down or I just need a meal that feels like home, this casserole makes its way back to our table. It’s one of those dishes that carries memories in every bite.

What to Serve with Hobo Casserole

Since this casserole is hearty, pair it with something light and fresh. A green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness, or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon keep things simple. If you want to go full comfort mode, serve with buttered rolls or cornbread to soak up the cheesy goodness.

And for dessert? A warm fruit crisp or brownies are the perfect sweet ending to this cozy meal.

How to Store

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or milk to keep it moist.

This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add 15–20 extra minutes of cook time.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage make great swaps in this cheesy ground beef casserole.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Not at all—it’s a matter of preference. Leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I add veggies?

Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach layer in beautifully without overpowering the classic flavors.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Make sure to use enough liquid (broth + milk). Covering with foil during the first bake also helps lock in moisture.

A Final Bite of Comfort

There’s something timeless about a Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes. It’s not fussy, it’s not fancy—but it’s exactly the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. With its cheesy layers, tender potatoes, and savory beef, it’s a dish that feels like home no matter when you make it.

So the next time you’re craving a warm, satisfying family dinner, skip the complicated recipes and let this casserole do the heavy lifting. Your weeknight just got a whole lot cozier.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a hearty, cheesy comfort food classic. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate easy casserole recipe for cozy family dinners, weeknights, or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 450 g (1 lb) ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 700 g / 1.5 lbs)

• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped (150 g)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 120 ml (½ cup) beef broth

• 60 ml (¼ cup) milk (optional)

For the Seasoning & Cheese:

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 170 g (1½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese

• 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Slice potatoes thinly.

• Cook beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic 3 minutes. Add ground beef, seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook ~7 minutes until browned.

• Assemble: Layer half the potatoes in dish, half the beef, then half the cheddar. Repeat layers.

• Add liquid: Pour broth (and milk, if using) over top. Cover with foil.

• Bake covered: Bake 35–40 minutes until potatoes are tender.

• Finish: Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan, and bake 10 minutes uncovered until golden and bubbly.

• Rest & serve: Let sit 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for best results—use a mandoline if possible.

Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesy layers.

If beef is very lean, add a splash more broth for moisture.

Rest before serving to help layers set.

Freezer-friendly—assemble and freeze up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course / Casserole
• Method: Baking + Stovetop Prep
• Cuisine: American