Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is a hearty and comforting one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This cheesy casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a savory blend of cheeses. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a great family meal that can be prepared with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes to ¼-inch thickness.

2. Cook the Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.

3. Assemble the Casserole:
   Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef on top. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers and pour the beef broth (and milk, if using) over the top.

4. Bake to Perfection:
   Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy:
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy this comforting dish!

Nutrients

Per Serving (approximate):

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 29g

• Protein: 26g

• Sodium: 800mg

• Cholesterol: 23mg

• Sugar: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

The Ground Beef: Savory and Flavorful

The ground beef in this casserole provides a savory and hearty base that pairs perfectly with the tender potatoes. To enhance the flavor, the beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, creating an aromatic foundation. The Italian seasoning and paprika bring a burst of flavor to the meat, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

Once the beef is browned, it’s layered with the potatoes and cheese, making it a satisfying main ingredient that adds both protein and richness to the casserole. The beef also helps to add moisture to the potatoes, ensuring they stay tender throughout the baking process.

The Potatoes: Tender and Comforting

Potatoes are the heart of this casserole, providing a comforting, starchy base that complements the savory beef and cheeses. By thinly slicing the potatoes to about ¼-inch thickness, they cook evenly and become soft and tender when baked. The potatoes absorb the flavors from the ground beef, beef broth, and seasonings, becoming rich and flavorful.

The potatoes not only add texture to the casserole but also provide a satisfying, filling element that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese. The thin slices cook quickly and allow for a consistent texture in every bite.

The Cheese: Creamy and Melty

Cheese is a key component in making this casserole indulgent and comforting. The shredded cheddar cheese creates a creamy, melty layer that binds the potatoes and beef together, adding richness to the dish. The Parmesan cheese, added at the end of the baking process, brings a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

The cheese topping also adds a golden, crispy finish when baked uncovered, creating a deliciously irresistible crust that contrasts with the tender layers below.

The Seasonings: Simple Yet Flavorful

The seasoning blend for this casserole is simple but effective. Italian seasoning adds herby notes that complement the beef and potatoes, while paprika contributes a smoky warmth. Salt and pepper are used to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, making the casserole savory and balanced.

The addition of beef broth (and optional milk) creates a flavorful liquid base that soaks into the potatoes, helping to cook them evenly while adding moisture and richness. This combination of seasonings ensures that each bite of the casserole is well-seasoned and satisfying.

Baking the Casserole: Perfectly Layered

To assemble the casserole, half of the sliced potatoes are layered in a greased baking dish, followed by half of the cooked ground beef, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. This process is repeated, and then beef broth (and milk, if desired) is poured over the top to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.

The casserole is covered with foil and baked at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through while keeping the dish moist. After removing the foil, the Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top, and the casserole is baked uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to create a golden, crispy top.

Serving the Casserole: Comforting and Delicious

Once the casserole is finished baking, it’s important to let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve and ensuring the flavors have fully melded together. The casserole can be garnished with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness, which complements the rich and hearty dish.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is perfect for serving with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread. It’s a complete meal in one dish, offering protein, vegetables, and plenty of flavor.

Why Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This casserole is ideal for busy weeknights because it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and can be made in a single pan. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe when you need something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a great option for families, casual gatherings, or anyone who enjoys a delicious, hearty meal.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes contains approximately 450 calories, making it a filling yet balanced meal. With 26 grams of protein, this dish provides a good source of lean protein from the ground beef. The 30 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat, come from the butter, cheese, and beef, contributing to the richness of the dish.

The casserole also contains 29 grams of carbohydrates, with 1 gram of fiber and 10 grams of sugar. While the fiber content is modest, the dish still offers a balanced serving of carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it satisfying and filling. Additionally, it provides 800mg of sodium, which is moderate for a savory dish like this.

The casserole also offers 117 IU of vitamin A, 4mg of vitamin C, 51mg of calcium, and 1mg of iron, contributing to a well-rounded nutrient profile that supports immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving something filling and flavorful. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s simple to make and always a hit. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or hosting a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire.