If you’re searching for pure comfort food that checks every box—hearty, easy, crowd-pleasing—you’ve officially met your match: this one-pan Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes. Picture layers of savory seasoned beef, paper-thin slices of creamy potato, all melting together under a bubbling blanket of gooey cheese. Everything mingles in a single dish, so you barely need to think about cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something irresistibly cozy on a chilly night, this one-pan classic has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this one-pan meal is how it takes a few familiar ingredients and magically transforms them into something extraordinary. Each component brings a unique note to the table—from the robust beef to the creamy potatoes and the punchy pop of garlic and cheese.

Ground beef: The hearty foundation that gives the casserole its irresistible meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
Potatoes: Sliced thin for that perfect, tender bite and starchy comfort—Yukon golds or russets work best here.
Olive oil: For sautéing and blooming the flavors of the aromatics right from the start.
Onion: Brings lovely sweetness and depth that infuses every bite.
Garlic: Just two cloves make all the difference, amping up the savory goodness.
Beef broth: Keeps everything juicy, adds richness, and helps meld the flavors together as the casserole bakes.
Milk (optional): For added creaminess—choose whole milk for the richest results.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that complements the beef and potatoes perfectly.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful golden color.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the pan.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness with every forkful.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top in the final stretch for extra savoriness and gorgeous browning.
Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end wakes up this one-pan dish with fresh color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make this one-pan

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even cook from the first minute. Then, grab your potatoes and slice them super thin—about a quarter-inch is just right. The thinner the slices, the more tender and cohesive the casserole turns out. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them sizzle and work their aromatic magic for a few minutes until everything is soft and fragrant. Next, add the ground beef. As it cooks, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly so every bit of beef is brimming with flavor. Cook just until the meat is browned and crumbly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease your favorite baking dish—this helps with both cleanup and golden edges. Layer in half the sliced potatoes, creating an even base. Spread half the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese for maximum gooeyness. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese. Finally, pour the beef broth (and milk if you’re feeling decadent) evenly over everything. It helps the casserole stay moist and delicious as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes—just enough time for the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together. Remove the foil, top the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese, and return it to the oven, uncovered, for ten more minutes. You’ll see a bubbly, golden-brown crust forming, which is pure magic. Resist the urge to dig in immediately; let it rest for five minutes before serving. This short wait makes slicing neater and intensifies the flavors.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the finished casserole for a final pop of color and brightness. Serve it straight from the dish—family style is absolutely the way to go with this one-pan wonder. Watch as it disappears in minutes!

How to Serve this one-pan

Garnishes

A simple handful of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a touch of vibrancy and freshness. If you love a little zing, you can throw on some chopped green onions or a quick grind of black pepper just before serving. The final flourish makes this one-pan casserole feel special and inviting, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Side Dishes

Because this one-pan is so filling, all you need is a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans to round things out. Soft, warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for mopping up every last bit of melty cheese and savory sauce. And if you want to go all-out, serve with a cool cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Portion this one-pan casserole into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls just before the final cheese topping—so everyone gets their own mini version with plenty of golden edges. Or, try serving generous squares on a platter lined with fresh greens for a pretty, homey effect. It’s a fun way to upgrade casual comfort food into something worthy of sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight and leftovers taste fantastic for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving!

Freezing

This one-pan casserole is freezer-friendly too! For best results, cut the casserole into portions once cooled and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop into a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, place individual portions in the fridge overnight for an easy meal later.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or bake (covered) in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. If things look a bit dry, splash with a spoonful of broth or water before reheating to restore moisture and flavor. Cheesy, bubbly perfection awaits!

FAQs

Can I use another meat besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles work beautifully in this one-pan recipe. Just be sure to check the seasoning, as leaner meats may need a little extra flavor boost.

What kind of potatoes are best for this one-pan casserole?

Yukon gold and russet potatoes both shine here due to their texture and ability to become melt-in-your-mouth tender during baking. Just slice them very thinly for even cooking.

Can I make this one-pan casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can fully assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about five extra minutes to the baking time and proceed as directed.

What if I want it extra creamy?

For a richer version, add a little more cheese between the layers or swap in heavy cream for the milk. The result will be decadently creamy and even more comforting!

How can I spice up this one-pan dish?

Try sprinkling red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture for gentle heat. You can also experiment with smoky paprika, chipotle powder, or even pepper jack cheese for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the savory magic of this one-pan Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes, it’ll quickly take top billing in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dependable, fuss-free, and deeply satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again. Give this one-pan classic a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!