Looking for a hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner? This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is here to save the day! It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy mom or just someone who loves a satisfying meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ground beef and potatoes, making it a budget-friendly option for quick family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas—ready in about an hour!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- A hearty, comforting casserole that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later.
- A versatile dish that’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through how to make this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef step by step. It’s a straightforward process that’s perfect for a 30-minute meal (with some prep time, of course!)!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. First, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your Hobo Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Thinly slice the potatoes: This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible for the best results.
- Don’t overcook the beef: Brown the beef until it’s just cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Add some creaminess: If you want a creamier casserole, don’t hesitate to add the milk. It adds a nice richness to the dish.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add other spices or herbs you like. Dried oregano or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
How to Serve
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a few sides to round things out. Here are some ideas:
- A simple green salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the hearty casserole.
- Garlic bread: Because everything is better with garlic bread, right?
- Steamed vegetables: Quickly steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a healthy and tasty addition to the meal.
- A side of fruit: A simple fruit salad or a plate of sliced apples adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is how well it holds up when made ahead or stored for later. Here’s how to handle it:
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. If you’re short on time, you can bake it straight from the freezer, though you may need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
And there you have it—a delicious, easy, and satisfying Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight meals. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So next time you’re thinking about what to make for dinner, give this a try. Your family will thank you!
Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out our collection of Hobo Casserole recipes for more inspiration!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess) optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil, then cook onion and garlic until soft.
- Layer cooked ground beef mixture in the baking dish, followed by thinly sliced potatoes.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the beef, then add beef broth and optional milk.
- Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
