Name: 6 servings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 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

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s equal parts hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes delivers just that with every golden bite. Designed to make 6 servings, it layers tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and gooey melted cheese in a rustic one-pan bake you’ll crave again and again. From its satisfying textures to the way it fills your kitchen with savory aroma, this casserole is truly comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how it transforms simple, humble ingredients into a show-stopping meal for 6 servings. Each item plays an important role, enhancing the dish’s flavor, texture, and cheesy bliss from top to bottom.

Ground Beef: Use a pound of ground beef for a deliciously seasoned, meaty layer that anchors the casserole.
Potatoes: Four to five medium potatoes, thinly sliced, create soft, creamy layers that soak up all the juices.
Olive Oil: Just a touch helps sauté the onions and garlic, boosting flavor without heaviness.
Onion: One medium onion, chopped, brings sweetness and depth—it practically melts into the beef as it cooks.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, offer a fragrant base note that complements the savory meat.
Beef Broth: Half a cup keeps everything moist and ensures the potatoes bake up tender.
Milk (Optional): A quarter cup can be added for extra richness and creaminess in every bite.
Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon infuses the casserole with herbs, making it taste like an all-day-cooked dish.
Paprika: Half a teaspoon adds gentle warmth, a touch of color, and subtle smoky undertones.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, these everyday seasonings highlight all the other flavors in the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: At one and a half cups shredded, it’s the melty, gooey glue holding everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: A half cup, grated, sprinkled on top for a savory, golden finish.
Fresh Parsley: Just a handful, finely chopped, for a bright garnish that makes your 6 servings look stunning and taste fresh.

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Step 1: Get Ready and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, wash and thinly slice your potatoes to about 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures every layer bakes up evenly—nobody wants a crunchy potato surprise! With all your ingredients prepped and ready, you’re setting yourself up for smooth assembly later.

Step 2: Sauté Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a larger skillet over medium. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for a couple of minutes until they smell irresistibly fragrant. Crumble in your ground beef, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and sauté until the meat is nicely browned. This seasoned mixture will bring big flavor to every slice of your 6 servings.

Step 3: Layer Up the Casserole

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease. Arrange half of your potato slices evenly in the bottom, then spoon on half of your savory beef mixture. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar. Finally, pour the beef broth (and milk, if you’re using it) evenly over the top—this helps everything cook up moist and luscious.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Brown

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the foil, scatter the grated Parmesan over the top, and return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. This lets the top get beautifully golden and slightly crispy—just the way a casserole for 6 servings should be.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once baked, let your hobo casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This lets everything settle, making it easier to slice and scoop. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving for that burst of color and freshness your 6 servings deserve. Now you’re ready—dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Garnishes

For maximum appeal, finish each serving with a big pinch of chopped parsley. You can also add a few cracks of black pepper or a little extra Parmesan. These touches make each of the 6 servings look like you fussed a lot more than you really did!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad or simply steamed veggies. For a cozier touch, try serving your 6 servings with warm, buttered rolls to help mop up every last drop of the cheesy, beefy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things up a notch, serve each slice atop a swirl of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy salsa. Another fun idea for the 6 servings is to assemble everything in individual ramekins—perfect for a dinner party or family dinner where everyone gets their own adorable mini casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Place any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your next-day 6 servings will be just as tasty, if not better.

Freezing

This hobo casserole is freezer-friendly. Simply let it cool, then wrap individual portions tightly or store the whole thing in a lidded dish. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll have a nearly-instant dinner for 6 servings.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion loosely with foil and pop it in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave for a couple of minutes on medium. Add a quick sprinkle of fresh cheese or parsley after reheating, and your 6 servings will taste fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar brings classic meltiness, feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella. Blending cheeses can add a fun twist to your 6 servings.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Golds or Russets are both great choices. Yukon Golds offer creaminess, while Russets give a fluffier finish. Just be sure they’re sliced thin for even cooking—that’s the secret for perfect 6 servings every time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven according to the directions, adding a couple of extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Is there a way to make it a little spicy?

You bet! Add a healthy pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or serve each of the 6 servings with a dash of hot sauce for customizable heat.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

A mandoline makes slicing super easy and helps you get uniform 1/4-inch slices so your casserole bakes evenly. If cutting by hand, just keep the slices as consistent as possible for the tastiest 6 servings.

Final Thoughts

If cozy, rustic comfort food is your thing, you’ll absolutely love sharing this hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes with friends and family. It’s the kind of easy, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table and guarantees smiles all around. Give these 6 servings a try—you might just find a new go-to weeknight favorite!