Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes: A Savory & Hearty Comfort Food 🍽️🥔🍖
1. Introduction
Discover the ultimate hobo casserole recipe — a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. This ground beef potato bake combines tender ground beef, crispy potatoes, and savory seasonings in a one-pan wonder that everyone will love. It’s also a fantastic example of a quick casserole dinner that’s easy to prepare using pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy hearty comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Classic Hobo Casserole
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup or creamy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
For more beef recipes and flavorful ground beef ideas, visit our dedicated beef section.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Hobo Casserole
**Preparation of Ingredients**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, ready for sautéing.
**Cook the Ground Beef**
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. For more delicious beef options, check out the Korean ground beef bowl.
**Assemble the Casserole**
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the beef. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the potatoes, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a luscious, cheesy crust. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.
**Bake to Perfection**
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.
4. Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions
This quick casserole dinner is perfect for meal prep. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or re-bake in the oven.
Serve your hearty dinner casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. For a quick addition, you might enjoy cranberry turkey stuffing balls or other easy sides from our collection.
5. Variations and Tips for a Perfect Ground Beef Potato Bake
- Vegetable Variations: Add sliced bell peppers, corn, or peas into the layers for more color and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper Jack, for varied flavors.
- Healthier Version: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
For other quick dinner ideas, explore our dinner recipes collection that includes quick, easy recipes like [pancake sausage casserole](https://recipeswonders.com/pancake-sausage-casserole/) and [homemade soft pretzels](https://recipeswonders.com/homemade-soft-pretzels/).
6. Recommended Kitchen Equipment and Accessories
- CAROTE Nonstick Cookware Set – Essential for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Crock-Pot Slow Cooker – Perfect for making this casserole in a slow cooker for convenience.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep drinks cold while enjoying your hearty meal.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hobo Casserole
What is a hobo casserole?
A hobo casserole recipe is a classic, one-pan baked dish that combines ground meat and potatoes, often with vegetables and cheese, baked until golden and hearty. It’s an easy, budget-friendly, and comforting quick casserole dinner.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready for a hassle-free dinner.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave.
8. Conclusion
This hobo casserole recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a favorite for anyone seeking a hearty ground beef potato bake or an easy quick casserole dinner. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a comforting homemade meal in no time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish promises satisfaction and leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Give it a try today and enjoy the deliciousness of a classic, wholesome casserole made easy!
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a hearty, savory comfort food perfect for busy weeknights. This easy and filling dish combines ground beef, sliced potatoes, savory seasonings, and melted cheese in a one-pan bake that yields a delicious family favorite. Simple to prepare using pantry staples and fresh ingredients, it’s ideal for quick dinners and meal prep. Enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds; set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in a greased baking dish. Layer sliced potatoes on top. Pour cream of mushroom soup over potatoes, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
