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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes about 1/4-inch thick, then set them aside for layering.
- Prepare the green beans: If fresh, trim and cut green beans into 1-2 inch pieces; if frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add green beans layer: Place half of the prepared green beans over the potatoes.
- Add beef layer: Evenly spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the green beans.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining potatoes, then the remaining green beans, seasoning each layer with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth and cover: Pour the beef broth evenly over the layered ingredients, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
