Introduction

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty dish that layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

A square piece of layered shepherd's pie sits on a white plate against a white marbled textured surface. The bottom layer is hearty brown minced meat cooked in sauce, slightly spilling over the edges. Above this is a thick layer of tender, pale yellow potato slices. The middle layer is a dollop of soft white creamy mixture, contrasting with the meat and potatoes. The top layer is a golden yellow melted cheese that is slightly browned around edges, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh color touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup beef broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, around 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses over the potatoes. Pour the beef broth around the edges of the dish to keep the casserole moist. If using, drizzle milk over the potatoes for added creaminess.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while cooking.
Swap out cheddar for your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different taste.
Try adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic flavor.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. This casserole can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish is a layered casserole in a white oval dish, showing three clear layers: the bottom layer is a brown, chunky ground meat sauce; above that is a creamy, smooth white layer, probably mashed potatoes; the top layer consists of thinly sliced golden brown potatoes with a melted, slightly crispy cheese crust in golden yellow and light brown colors. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. The surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels on packaged ingredients to be sure.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 91 reviews

This hearty Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, aromatic onions, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are baked to golden perfection. A savory mix of Italian seasoning and paprika adds depth, while beef broth ensures moist and tender potatoes. This casserole is both satisfying and flavorful, ideal for a cozy meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheeses

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Oils

½ cup beef broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Seasonings and Garnish

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for layering the ingredients.
Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Sauté together for 3–4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Next, layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika to ensure well-rounded flavors.
Add Cheese and Broth: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the layers. Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to keep the casserole moist during baking.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to start softening and all flavors to meld together.
Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
Optional Creaminess and Garnish: If desired, drizzle ¼ cup of milk over the casserole before the final baking step for extra creaminess. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley after baking for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and paprika.
The optional milk helps create a creamier texture but can be omitted for a lighter casserole.
Make sure potatoes are sliced thinly to ensure they cook through within the given baking time.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for quick meals.

Keywords: Hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, cheesy beef casserole, comfort food, one-dish meal