If you’re searching for a gloriously comforting meal that brings together tender layers of potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, and a generous blanket of melted cheese, look no further than Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients. This beloved bake hits all the right notes of heartiness and nostalgia, combining pantry staples into a dish that’s both satisfying and endlessly cozy. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight solution or a dish to warm up the whole family, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients is that every component builds flavor and texture in perfect harmony. These simple, accessible ingredients are the real heroes here—nothing fancy, just the good stuff that makes for a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole.

Ground beef: Provides richness, a hearty base, and soaks up all the savory seasonings.
Potatoes: Sliced nice and thin, they turn creamy, tender, and irresistible as they bake.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic for that deep, aromatic flavor.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
Garlic: A must for an engaging aroma and extra savory complexity.
Beef broth: Keeps everything moist, flavorful, and melds the casserole together.
Milk (optional): Makes the potatoes even creamier—totally up to your personal taste!
Italian seasoning: Lends herby brightness that pairs well with both beef and potatoes.
Paprika: Offers gentle smokiness and a hint of color.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that iconic, gooey casserole topping.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of salty, nutty flavor and a golden finish.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the final dish and adds a fresh pop of color.

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Potatoes

Before anything else, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. Take your potatoes and slice them thinly—around 1/4-inch thick is perfect. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and soak up all the delicious juices, resulting in that signature creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Grab a big skillet and warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, giving them a quick sauté until fragrant and softened. Next, crumble in the ground beef, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. This builds an irresistible savory base with layers of flavor that carry through the whole casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease your favorite baking dish to prevent sticking. Start by creating a base layer with half of your potato slices—try to overlap them slightly for even cooking. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar. Finally, gently pour the beef broth (and milk, if you like an extra creamy touch) over the top to keep things moist.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes to let the potatoes soften and absorb all those flavors. Then, peel back the foil, scatter the Parmesan cheese over everything, and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes more. The topping will turn beautifully golden and bubbly—casserole heaven!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove your hobo casserole from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes—this helps everything set up and makes serving much easier. Finish it off with a shower of fresh chopped parsley, then scoop it up while the cheese is still delightfully melty. Every bite is comfort on a plate!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to add a bit of sliced green onion or even a tiny dash of smoked paprika on top for extra flair. These finishing touches not only brighten the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients but also give it a touch of freshness and color that makes it as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your spread, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simply steamed green beans always works wonders. Crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up those rich, cheesy juices from the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients!

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to get fancy, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a restaurant-style feel. Or, turn the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients into a rustic buffet centerpiece, letting everyone scoop their own hearty helping straight from the pan for a homey, communal vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients (lucky you!), pop leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors tend to meld and deepen, making the next-day bites just as delicious—if not more.

Freezing

Want to make this casserole ahead or save a portion for a future busy day? Let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly or transfer to freezer-safe containers. The Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. If you’re working with a smaller portion, a quick zap in the microwave works just as well. Either way, a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating never hurt!

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well as a lighter alternative to beef, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of extra broth to keep things moist and flavorful.

Do I have to peel the potatoes for this recipe?

You don’t have to peel the potatoes if you prefer a rustic look and extra fiber. Just be sure to scrub them well before slicing—either way, they’ll turn out tender and delicious in the finished Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients.

What type of cheese melts best in this casserole?

Cheddar is a classic for gorgeous melt and flavor, but feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites will all work perfectly, complementing the savory filling inside Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if it goes from fridge to oven, ensuring the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients is piping hot throughout.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! Treat the ingredient quantities as a guideline and double or even triple the recipe to suit your needs. Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients is super easy to scale up for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re craving something equal parts homey and hearty, give Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients a try. It’s the sort of meal that brings people together and always gets rave reviews—don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash!

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Ingredients Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of cheese come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes to ¼-inch thickness.
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.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potatoes. Spread half of the cooked beef on top. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, then pour beef broth (and milk, if using) over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American