Name: this one-pan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4-5 medium potatoes thinly sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup milk (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5 from 25 reviews

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is everything I crave in a weeknight dinner: hearty, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly cozy. Layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and glistening, melted cheese nestle together in this one-pan comfort classic. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or warming up a chilly evening, this one-pan brings bold flavor and homey satisfaction, all while saving you time and clean-up. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the simple lineup that makes this one-pan shine. Every ingredient has a job: from creating comforting layers to providing richness and irresistible aroma. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble true comfort in a casserole dish.

Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of this one-pan, providing heartiness and deep, savory flavor in every bite.
Potatoes (4-5 medium, thinly sliced): Sliced thin for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and to soak up all those delicious juices.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for an aromatic base.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole’s layers.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and builds big savory flavor.
Beef Broth (½ cup): Helps to keep the casserole moist and brings out even more meaty goodness.
Milk (¼ cup, optional): Boosts creaminess for those who want extra luscious potatoes.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Adds classic herby notes that complement the beef and potatoes perfectly.
Paprika (½ tsp): Lends a gentle warmth and beautiful color throughout the one-pan casserole.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer and tying all the flavors together.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups): Melty, gooey, and perfectly sharp—no casserole is complete without it!
Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty finish and golden brown crust.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a finishing pop of color and freshness to the hot, cheesy bake.

How to Make this one-pan

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Get your oven nice and hot at 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, thinly slice the potatoes (about ¼-inch thick) so they cook evenly and soak up all those flavors. This prep step sets up the backbone of this one-pan dish, and trust me, a little attention here pays off with dreamy potato layers later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Grab your favorite skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium. Toss in the onions and let them sizzle until they are translucent and aromatic, then stir in the minced garlic for an irresistible scent. Add the ground beef right in, breaking it up as it cooks. Season generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper—this is where the beef gets all its big flavor. Cook until browned and crumbly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a baking dish to keep everything from sticking (and make clean-up a breeze). Lay down half of your potato slices—overlap them to cover the bottom. Spread half of the savory cooked beef on top, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar. Repeat for a second delicious layer. Drizzle the beef broth (and the milk if you’re using it) evenly over everything. This one-pan magic ensures everything bakes up moist and flavor-packed.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Then, peel back the foil, shower the casserole with grated Parmesan, and return to the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes. This will deliver that crave-worthy, golden top. When it’s all bubbly and browned, let your one-pan creation rest for 5 minutes before diving in.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

With a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, this one-pan casserole is ready to wow. It’ll fill your kitchen with the most comforting smells—so don’t be surprised if everyone drifts in, hungry and happy! Serve hot, and watch every slice disappear.

How to Serve this one-pan

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of bright, chopped parsley will make this one-pan pop on the table. If you like a little extra bite, shaved green onions or a few red pepper flakes also pair beautifully by adding color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

Because this one-pan is so rich and filling, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread, simple steamed veggies, or even pickled beets are wonderful sides that cut through the cheesy goodness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this one-pan casserole into individual servings by scooping portions into ramekins for guests, or bring the entire bubbling dish straight to the table for a family-style feast. You can even top each slice with a fried egg for a fun brunch twist, or layer in a few cooked veggies for extra color and texture. The possibilities are endlessly delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover one-pan casserole to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making lunch or another quick dinner only a quick reheat away.

Freezing

If you want to stash some one-pan comfort for later, wrap portions (or the whole pan, tightly covered) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and know that the potatoes may soften a bit more, but the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave, or pop larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout. For a crisp top, uncover for the last few minutes to re-melt the cheese and restore some of that golden goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese in this one-pan?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend—just make sure it melts well. Every cheese brings its own delicious personality.

What’s the best potato to use for this one-pan casserole?

Yukon Golds or Russets work great because they hold their shape and get wonderfully tender. Just remember to slice them evenly so they bake up perfectly every time.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Use veggie broth instead of beef broth for a tasty, hearty vegetarian one-pan variation.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?

Slicing the potatoes thin, not adding too much liquid, and baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes helps evaporate excess moisture and ensures a creamy, not watery, final result.

Can I assemble this one-pan ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble it the night before, cover and refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It makes busy nights so much easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a bubbling, cheesy one-pan casserole straight from the oven, and this one-pan wonder is truly a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—your table (and your tastebuds!) will thank you.