Hello friends, Chef André here!
When you need a no-frills, hearty dinner that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you’re looking for.This dish is the definition of old-school comfort food: layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of melted cheese baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying—the kind of dinner that reminds you why casseroles have been family favorites for generations.
What I love most about this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is how practical it is. It’s naturally gluten-free, uses pantry staples, and comes together with minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Works So Well
This casserole has earned its place at the dinner table because it’s:
- Hearty & filling, perfect for comfort food cravings
- Easy to make, with simple layered ingredients
- Budget-friendly, ideal for families
- Gluten-free, naturally
- Great for leftovers & reheating
It’s classic, cozy, and dependable.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting casserole:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Smart Substitutions by Chef André
- Ground turkey for a lighter version
- Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
- Colby Jack cheese for extra melt
- Cream of mushroom soup for a creamier casserole
Step-by-Step Preparation – Chef André Guides You
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Layer the Casserole
Grease a baking dish.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Top with half of the cooked ground beef.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and beef.
Pour beef broth evenly over the casserole and dot with butter.
3. Bake Until Tender
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add Cheese & Finish
Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Creative Variations by Chef André
Make this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe your own:
🧅 Onion Lover’s Version
Add sliced onions between the layers.
🌶 Spicy Twist
Add paprika or chili flakes to the beef.
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Double the cheese and broil briefly.
🥕 Veggie Boost
Add carrots or peas for color and nutrition.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole
- Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly
- Cover tightly to prevent drying
- Let it rest before slicing for cleaner servings
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt
These small details make a big difference.
What to Serve with Hobo Casserole
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Simple green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls or crusty bread
It’s a complete, satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F or microwave
- Freezer: Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months
FAQ – Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Why is it called hobo casserole?
It’s a rustic, simple meal made with basic ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble, refrigerate, and bake later.
Are the potatoes fully cooked?
Yes, when sliced thin and baked covered.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very—mild, cheesy, and comforting.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~590 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
(Values vary based on cheese and beef used.)
Conclusion – Chef André’s Weeknight Comfort Classic 🧀🥔
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is everything comfort food should be: simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you try it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tell me who you shared it with!
For safe handling and storage of ground beef, I always recommend USDA Food Safety:
👉 https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
Happy cooking,
Chef André 👨🍳