Quick Hobo Casserole Ground Beef for Busy Weeknights

Introduction

This fast hobo casserole uses simple pantry staples to turn one pound of ground beef and sliced potatoes into a cheesy, comforting tray bake. It comes together in minutes on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, perfect for a no-fuss dinner. Prep while you preheat, and you can serve a full pan with minimal cleanup. If you like hearty one dish meals, try this alongside a lighter pasta option like creamy beef pasta for another quick comfort pick.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole is built around three fast wins: quick browning, thinly sliced potatoes for fast roasting, and two cheeses for melted coverage. Browning the beef first adds depth while keeping total cook time low. Thin potato slices cook through in the oven without parboiling, saving a step. A simple edge pour of broth keeps the layers moist so nothing dries out under the foil. Italian seasoning and a touch of paprika give immediate savory lift without fiddly steps. It scales easily up or down and adapts well if you want to switch cheeses or swap broth for water.

Flavor and Texture

The ground beef gives a savory base, the sautéed onion and garlic add bright aromatics, and the cheddar melts into a creamy top layer. Parmesan adds a sharp, salty finish that contrasts the milder cheddar. Thin potato slices become tender with slightly crisped edges when you uncover the casserole for the final bake. The beef juices plus the added broth create a light gravy around the potatoes so every bite is moist. If you prefer more tang, a splash of ketchup or mustard stirred into the beef before layering will change the profile in one step.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef broth or water

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
4. Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Sprinkle cheeses over potatoes and pour beef broth around the edges.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use a mandoline or the slicer on your food processor to get consistently thin potato slices and speed up prep. If you have leftover mashed potatoes or pre-cooked slices, you can shorten oven time by 10 to 15 minutes. Shredded store-bought cheese saves a step but freshly grated cheddar melts a bit better. For an even quicker assembly, cook the onions and garlic with the beef from the start so you only use one pan. If you want to add vegetables, bell peppers or frozen peas stirred into the beef before layering are fast options that do not add much cook time. For a creamier finish, mix a couple tablespoons of sour cream into the shredded cheddar before topping.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool the casserole completely before covering and storing in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or warm a whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can freeze the baked casserole for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For meal prep, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to save evening time.

Short Closing Note

This hobo casserole is a practical weeknight winner that balances speed with comfort food flavor. It’s flexible, forgiving, and ideal when you need dinner on the table without extra fuss.

Conclusion

For a rustic inspiration and a slightly different take on the same idea, see Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake – Taste Of … for additional tips and photos.

FAQ

Quick Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

A fast and hearty hobo casserole using ground beef and thinly sliced potatoes, topped with two types of cheese for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef broth or water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
4. Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Sprinkle cheeses over potatoes and pour beef broth around the edges.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Notes

Use a mandoline for even potato slices. You can include leftover mashed potatoes to save oven time. Freshly grated cheese creates a better melt.

• Author: Chef Hanna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg