Looking for a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This hobo casserole with ground beef is the answer. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and hearty vegetables into a complete and satisfying meal. With a melted cheese topping and rich tomato-beef broth, this dish brings the essence of home-cooked comfort to your table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Everything cooks in one pan—hello, easy cleanup
Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
Adaptable to your favorite vegetables
Make-ahead and freezer friendly
Deliciously cheesy and filling
Recipe Origins
Inspired by classic American campfire meals, hobo casseroles are known for their simplicity and versatility. This oven-baked version takes the traditional foil-pack concept and transforms it into a warm, oven-baked comfort dish straight out of the Midwest.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 480 mg
Quick Facts
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 55 min
Servings: 6
Difficulty: ⭐⭐
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months—just cool it completely and store it in a freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette
Pair with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls
Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggies
Common Mistakes
Overcrowding the dish: leads to uneven cooking
Skipping the foil step: causes dry top layer
Undercooked potatoes: dice into ½-inch pieces for faster baking
Using too little broth: results in dry casserole
Recipe Variations
Tex-Mex: Add 1 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 cup corn, and black beans; top with pepper jack cheese
Italian: Add 1 bell pepper, 1 tsp oregano, and mozzarella cheese
Vegetarian: Use 2 cups of chopped veggies and vegetable broth; omit meat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cheese at the end.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack are great for different flavor profiles.
Can I prep it the night before?
Yes. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups green beans, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2- Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet until no longer pink
3- Drain excess fat from the skillet
4- Stir in potatoes, green beans, tomatoes (with juice), broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
5- Mix well and transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish
6- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes
7- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes
8- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving
