Savory Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

This savory hobo casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans. Easy to prepare and full of hearty flavors, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 3 medium potatoes (about 1 pound / 450 g), Yukon Gold or red, thinly sliced
• 12 ounces (340 g) green beans, fresh or frozen
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, low sodium
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Wash and slice potatoes thinly, about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Trim and cut green beans into 1-2 inch pieces if fresh; thaw and drain if frozen.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Drain excess fat.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with half the thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Step 7: Add a layer of half the green beans over the potatoes.
8. Step 8: Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the green beans.
9. Step 9: Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and green beans, seasoning each layer.
10. Step 10: Pour beef broth evenly over the assembled layers.
11. Step 11: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
12. Step 12: Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
13. Step 13: Optional: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Step 14: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture, or red potatoes for a slightly firmer bite.
• Substitute green beans with fresh or frozen peas for a different vegetable twist.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the beef mixture.
• Leftover casserole can be portioned and frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the potatoes from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before layering in the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to add cheese on top?

The cheese layer is optional. It adds a rich, melted topping, but the casserole is flavorful and complete without it if you prefer a lighter dish.

Savory Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Savory Hobo Casserole combines hearty ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and fresh green beans layered and baked to perfection. Infused with garlic, onions, thyme, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, this comforting casserole is topped with melted cheddar cheese for an optional cheesy finish. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it delivers satisfying flavors and classic homestyle goodness in one dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 3 medium potatoes (about 1 pound / 450 g), Yukon Gold or red, thinly sliced
• 12 ounces (340 g) green beans, fresh or frozen
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, low sodium
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes about 1/4-inch thick, then set them aside for layering.
3. Prepare the green beans: If fresh, trim and cut green beans into 1-2 inch pieces; if frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
4. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, then drain any excess fat.
6. Layer potatoes: Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with half the thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Add green beans layer: Place half of the prepared green beans over the potatoes.
8. Add beef layer: Evenly spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the green beans.
9. Repeat layering: Add the remaining potatoes, then the remaining green beans, seasoning each layer with thyme, salt, and pepper.
10. Add broth and cover: Pour the beef broth evenly over the layered ingredients, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
11. Bake the casserole: Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
12. Add cheese (optional): Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving warm.

Notes

• For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
• Fresh green beans provide more texture, but frozen can be used as a convenient alternative.
• Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a wonderful rich, melty topping.
• You can use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant herbal flavor.
• This casserole can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, green bean casserole, easy family dinner, savory casserole