Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)
Total Time: 55 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
There’s a special joy in sliding a bubbling Ground Beef Casserole out of the oven—the kind with melty cheese, golden edges, and the nostalgic aroma of a family Beef Dinner. This Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) is a love letter to Easy Casserole Recipes: affordable, hearty, and weeknight-simple. Think layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and onions under a blanket of creamy sauce and cheddar—pure comfort in a pan.
Built to satisfy cravings for Cheesy Recipes while staying practical for a Quick Dinner, this Easy Casserole uses pantry staples and minimal prep. It’s flexible, too—easily adapted from other Ground Beef Recipes—so you can riff with what you’ve got on hand and still get that cozy, diner-style payoff.
I grew up watching this casserole appear on busy nights—no fuss, all flavor. My family called it “the no-surprises dinner” because it always disappeared fast, especially when the cheese browned just right. Today, it remains one of my top Easy Dinner Recipes when schedules are tight but appetites are big.
Key Ingredients (and Smart Swaps)
Ground Beef
Choose 85–90% lean for juicy layers that don’t grease out. Swap with ground turkey for a lighter twist or a plant-based crumble for meatless night.
Potatoes
Thinly sliced russets or Yukon Golds bake tender and creamy. In a pinch, use frozen hash browns for speed.
Onion & Garlic
They add diner-style depth. Red onion works if that’s what you’ve got.
Creamy Base
A quick homemade sauce (broth + milk + a touch of flour) or a can of cream of mushroom/chicken—both give that classic casserole texture.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts into a savory blanket. Monterey Jack or Colby are great alternates.
Seasoning
Worcestershire, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper keep flavors balanced and cozy.
How to Make Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)
- Preheat & prep: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Thinly slice 1.5 lb potatoes.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Make the sauce: Whisk 1.5 cups milk, 1 cup beef broth, and 2 tbsp flour (or use one 10.5-oz can cream soup + 1/2 cup milk). Simmer 2–3 minutes until lightly thickened; season to taste.
- Layer: Add half the potatoes to the dish, then half the beef, a third of the cheese, and a third of the sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef. Top with remaining sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Cheesy finish: Uncover, add remaining cheese, and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Potatoes should be fork-tender.
- Rest & serve: Let stand 10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with parsley or chives.
The result is a cozy Easy Casserole that earns a spot among your go-to Easy Dinner Recipes—classic flavors, minimal effort.
Tips for Cheesy, Evenly Cooked Layers
- Slice potatoes thin (about 1/8-inch) for even tenderness.
- Season each layer lightly so the whole casserole tastes balanced.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
- Cover early to steam the potatoes, then uncover to brown.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve with a crunchy side salad and tangy pickles for contrast. Roasted green beans or broccoli keep it simple. If you’re turning this Ground Beef Casserole into a full Beef Dinner, add garlic bread and a quick tomato-cucumber salad.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Freezing
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Make-ahead: assemble up to 24 hours in advance (hold the final cheese), cover, and bake when ready. Freeze baked, cooled portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat until bubbly.
FAQ
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes—frozen shredded hash browns work well; bake from thawed for best texture.How can I make it lighter?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, lighten the sauce with low-fat milk, and reduce cheese by 25%.Can I add vegetables?
Yes—layer in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach between the beef and potatoes.Why is my casserole watery?
Slice potatoes thin, simmer the sauce to thicken, and rest 10 minutes before serving to set layers.
Why This Hobo Casserole Works
It’s a dependable hero among Easy Casserole Recipes: budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly adaptable. If Quick Dinner is the goal, this Cheesy Recipe delivers comfort fast—an instant classic in your rotation of Easy Dinner Recipes.
Article by Lena Taylor
Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain. Season with Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk milk, beef broth, and flour in a saucepan; simmer 2–3 minutes until lightly thickened. Season to taste.
- Layer half the potatoes, half the beef, one-third cheese, and one-third sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef; top with remaining sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, add remaining cheese, and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Rest 10 minutes; garnish with herbs and serve warm.
