One-Pan Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes (Easy Family Dinner)
Looking for an easy one-pan dinner that’s hearty, affordable, and packed with comforting flavor? This One-Pan Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is the perfect weeknight comfort food recipe. Made with simple pantry staples, this ground beef and potato casserole is budget-friendly, filling, and requires minimal cleanup—ideal for busy nights when dinner needs to be effortless and delicious.
This classic hobo casserole recipe bakes everything together in one dish for a cozy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy one-pan casserole recipe
Budget-friendly ground beef dinner
Comfort food made with potatoes
Perfect family-friendly weeknight meal
Minimal prep and cleanup
Recipe Details
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients for One-Pan Hobo Casserole
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or basil and oregano blend)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), diced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Hobo Casserole
Brown the Ground Beef
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Layer the Potatoes
Evenly scatter the diced potatoes over the beef mixture. No need to stir—this helps create perfect layers.
Add Tomatoes, Corn, and Broth
Pour diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, and beef broth evenly over the casserole.
Bake Until Tender
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Optional Cheesy Finish
Remove foil during the last 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake until melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. This one-dish ground beef casserole is a complete meal on its own.
Final Thoughts
This easy hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes is the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Whether you’re searching for a cheap dinner idea, a classic American casserole, or a one-pan meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.