Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked together into a satisfying meal. It’s a simple, one-pan recipe that’s perfect for family dinners and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: Combines protein, carbohydrates, and dairy for a well-rounded meal.
Easy Preparation: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Family-Friendly: The classic combination of meat, potatoes, and cheese appeals to both kids and adults.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with additional vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup beef broth or water
¼ cup milk (optional, for added creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef, overlapping slightly. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Add Cheese and Liquid: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist during baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend to change the flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy content, which helps them become tender during baking.

Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?

Using pre-cooked potatoes may result in a mushy texture. It’s best to use raw, thinly sliced potatoes for optimal results.

Is it necessary to cover the casserole with foil during baking?

Covering the casserole with foil during the initial baking time helps to steam the potatoes, ensuring they become tender. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly.

Can I add cream of mushroom soup for extra flavor?

Yes, mixing in a can of cream of mushroom soup with the ground beef can add a creamy texture and additional flavor to the casserole.